Latest Research on Alzheimer's Treatment
Effectiveness of Drugs and Supplements to Treat Alzheimer's Disease
Feb 22, 2009
There is no cure for Alzheimer's disease and the causes of Alzheimer's are still unclear. According to the latest Alzheimer's research, early detection is still advised because some drug treatment can, at least modestly, delay the progression of the disease.
Latest Research Finds Moderately Effective Medications for Alzheimer's
The drugs Aricept, Reminyl, Razadyne and Exelon are in a class of drugs called cholinesterase inhibitors. Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital studied patients who received no drug treatment, patients who received a cholinesterase inhibitor alone, and those who received a cholinesterase inhibitor combined with Namenda. Those taking the combination fared the best. Though all patients experienced decline in their ability to think and function independently, the rate of decline was slower in those taking the combination.
Latest Research Regarding B Vitamins and Ginkgo Biloba for Alzheimer's is Not Promising
Studies show that folate and other B vitamins lower levels of homocysteine. When homocysteine is high it may increase risk of heart disease and stroke. In a large study, though the B vitamins did lower levels of homocysteine, people taking the supplements scored the same on tests of thinking and memory ability as people who did not take the supplements.
In a large clinical trial, participants taking Gingko biloba were assessed over six years. The supplement showed no benefit in the group who took it, vs. a control group who did not take Gingko biloba. It did not slow progression of mild cognitive impairment, and both groups developed Alzheimer's at the same rate.
The Latest Research Regarding the Alzheimer's Vaccine
It is known that deposits of amyloid protein in the brain are found in those who have Alzheimer's. Yet a vaccine that cleared or prevented the formation of amyloid proteins did not seem to stop the disease. The vaccine was halted due to side effects.
The Latest Research Regarding Anti-Amyloid Drugs for Alzheimer's Prevention
Drugs to prevent the formation of amyloid protein deposits, such as Alzhemed and Flurizan, have been halted because they showed no benefit. Some anti-amyloid drugs are still under production and will be tested.
The Latest Research Regarding Statins in Preventing Alzheimers is Inconclusive
According to Dr. Daniel G. Amen, who offers extensive advice on preventing Alzheimer's, what's good for the heart is good for the brain because it keeps blood vessels in the brain and body healthy. While this is true in terms of exercise, it may not be true in terms of medicine. In 2008 there were two contradictory findings on the use of statin drugs, which are used to reduce cholesterol and improve cardiovascular health. In a study that followed 1,674 Latinos, those taking statins were about half as likely to have developed dementia or cognitive impairment. But in a study that followed 929 Catholic nuns and priests, there was no difference regardless of whether statins were being taken. More research is needed.
The Latest Alzheimer's Research Regarding Exercising the Brain and Body.
A November 2008 study found that people with higher education levels may delay symptoms of Alzheimer's. They scored better on tests of overall cognitive function than those with less education, even when specialized PET scans of their brains showed that they had comparable levels of amyloid plaque in the brain.
Studies that monitor how much exercise people get on their own, as well as studies that introduce exercise to a group of participants show that those who exercise more score better on tests of cognitive function and memory. The benefits are modest but real, nonetheless.
Alzheimer's Research Shows Some Moderately Effective Treatment
The latest research on Alzheimer's disease shows that combining the drug Namenda with a cholinesterase inhibitor such as Aricept, Reminyl, Razadyne or Exelon can delay the progression of Alzheimer's. Higher education as well as physical exercise are also shown to help. Other interventions such as vaccines, anti-amyloid compounds, B vitamin supplements, Gingko biloba and statin drugs either do not show promise or require more study.
Source:"Failed Efforts to Thwart Alzheimer's Disease Raise Questions" in Harvard Medical School's Harvard Mental Health Letter: Volume 25, Number 8, February 2009. Published by Harvard Health Publications.
 |
