What Types of Treatments are Available for Persons With Dementia and Alzheimer’s?
The basic goal in the management of individuals having Alzheimer’s disease or dementia is to preserve their autonomy and ability to function. Treatment also seeks to preserve quality of life not only for patients but also for those who provide care. With the current medical technologies available, there is as yet no cure for dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers are evaluating a wide variety of treatments. In addition, some medications have been approved by federal agencies for treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Some of the treatment approaches in use are summarized by the National Institute of Aging, a part of the U.S. National Institutes of Health. Cholinesterase inhibitors The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved four drugs for treatment of mild to moderate forms of the disease. All of the four belong to a family of drugs known as acetyl-cholinesterase inhibitors. Their chemical names are: donepezil, galantamine, tacrine, and rivastigmine.
