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Alzheimer’s
Treatment: Experimental Therapies and Alternative Treatments
 Alzheimer’s treatment: Experimental therapies
Although the reason
is not clear, enrollment in clinical trials frequently seems to delay
the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Some experts state that there
could be several explanations for this effect. It could be due to the
direct effect of the drug being studied or to improved coping skills
that caregivers receive from contact with medical personnel during the
study. Whatever the reason for the delay in the progression of the
disease, it is believed that Alzheimer’s disease patients receive more
benefits for enrolling in clinical trials than most other medical
conditions, since there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease.
The focus of research at this point in time is on delaying the onset
of the disease. The following are currently being researched in terms
of their usefulness as preventive agents. The following treatments
are believed to hold hope for the future, although they are still
regarded as highly experimental at the present time.
Anti-inflammatory drugs:
Many experts consider the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
(NSAIDs) to be showing some promise as preventive therapies. These
medications are commonly used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. While
medical researchers are not sure how they work, it is hypothesized
that NSAIDs may possibly provide protection against inflammation
associated with Alzheimer’s disease, or may have some effect on the
delivery of blood to the brain.
Ginkgo biloba as an Alzheimer’s treatment:
Although it is not clear how ginkgo biloba works, it has been found
that patients taking this extract have sometimes had a slower decline
in cognitive abilities then patients who received a placebo. The
American Academy of Neurology has concluded that although the evidence
is relatively weak, some studies have found that some patients with
other types of dementia (not Alzheimer’s disease) may benefit. Ginkgo
biloba is not regulated by the FDA and is therefore not considered a
food supplement. Also, it is important to note that when aspirin is
taken at the same time as ginkgo biloba there may also be an increased
risk in bleeding.
Also, See:
Alzheimer’s Treatment: Medications
and Vitamin E
Information from The Johns Hopkins
Medical Guide to Health After 50
Additional Information and
webpage by Paul Susic MA Licensed
Psychologist Ph.D. Candidate
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