What drugs have been FDA-approved for Alzheimer patients?
One important thing to understand about all of these drugs – they do not cure or stop the disease. Instead, they all delay or slow symptom progression. In other words, they buy patients and their families precious time. For instance, let’s say that someone who has Alzheimer’s Disease chooses not take one of these medications. Within 1 year, this person may show losses in his or her ability to do everyday things, like how to fry an egg for breakfast, or remember the names of all his or her grandchildren. By contrast, someone taking one of these meds may take 2 years to show the same losses. So, while it may be disappointing that even with medication the disease progresses, it’s important to keep in mind the value of maintaining basic functions over time. For many patients, it can mean the difference between nursing home placement versus living with a family member or in assisted care.
