Alzheimer’s Drugs of Different Types Are Being Developed by Researchers across the Globe to Treat the Disease

 

Alzheimer’s drugs are drugs that slow the degeneration of brain cells. They can also alleviate symptoms and help caregivers cope with the disease. These medications work by blocking the breakdown of acetylcholine, a chemical messenger that sends signals from neuron to neuron. They are available as pills and patches.

Amyloid deposits are a key factor in the development of Alzheimer's disease, and amyloid-lowering drugs are expected to slow the disease's progression. Researchers have estimated that about 1.5 million people in the United States have early stages of the disease. Nevertheless, some experts are skeptical that lowering levels of amyloid will slow cognitive decline.

Researchers are developing several new drugs to treat Alzheimer's disease. These drugs are designed to improve cognitive function, which is a common problem among Alzheimer's patients. Some are being tested to treat behavioral symptoms, while others focus on the disease's underlying biology. Researchers are hopeful that a combination of these new drugs can slow the progression of the disease.

Another Alzheimer’s Drugs option is memantine, which is an NMDA receptor antagonist. This drug is used to treat moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease. Its main effect is to reduce symptoms and allows people to maintain daily functions for longer periods of time, such as the ability to use the bathroom independently. However, this medication is not effective in preventing the disease from progressing.

Usually, the side effects of dementia medications are minimal. However, they can cause a decline in the patient's quality of life. For this reason, some patients may be advised to stop taking these drugs altogether. Alternatively, the person may decide to opt for hospice care. The decision to stop taking the medication should be made in conjunction with the patient's doctor.

Another important consideration is the type of medication a person takes. Some medications, especially benzodiazepines, can cause dementia. Studies have shown that individuals who took these medications for three to six months were at a higher risk of developing the disease than those who had never taken them. In June 2021, The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), granted approval to Aduhelm as the treatment for Alzheimer’s that affects 6.2 million people in America.