Treatment for Alzheimer's disease symptoms

Although there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease symptoms, there are many ways to maintain quality of life and maintain patient activity status of the person. In the first phase, immediately after the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease is given cholinesterase inhibitors are administered.

These substances, including the  galantamine and rivastigmine, may temporarily improve memory and thinking affected by disease. The effects of these drugs are not spectacular and may not improve symptoms in some patients. Although cholinesterase inhibitors decrease the intensity of symptoms, they do not slow disease progression. However experts recommend cholinesterase inhibitors as first line in treatment.

Another drug, called memantine, may be used alone or in combination with cholinesterase inhibitors to treat moderate to severe symptoms of confusion or memory loss caused by Alzheimer's disease. Memantine works differently than cholinesterase inhibitors, but even this does not slow disease progression.

Another important aspect of initial therapy is the detection and treatment of other medical problems associated with Alzheimer's disease. For example, depression occurs in approximately 50% of patients with Alzheimer's, especially in the early stages of disease when they are aware of the diagnosis and poor prognosis. Detecting and treating such conditions as depression can minimize disablement associated and maximize the patient's remaining skills.

The initial treatment phase should be clarified with some family issues:
- Patient care he needs;
- The person that it will have on patient care and supervision as the disease advances;
- Aspects of the disease as it advances;
- Planning your sick person’s therapy and care.
Educating the family and people who take care of a patient with Alzheimer's disease is essential to providing optimal care. Caregivers must be educated on issues that may occur in the disease.



Ongoing treatment
Cholinesterase inhibitor therapy is continued until no longer effective. These drugs are effective to some people more time than the others. Cholinesterase inhibitors are interrupted when the patient does not tolerate the adverse effects of these drugs.
Periodic physical examination by a specialist evaluates patient response to therapy, detect newly emerging issues, monitor symptoms and provide continuing education family or persons in charge of patient care. As the condition progresses the treatment is reviewed and the behavior disorders or other problems occurred are analyzed. Medical guidelines indicate consultation in six months or less if problems arise. It is important examination to detect other diseases.

Sight and hearing disorders, arthritis, thyroid gland disorders, and kidney diseases are frequently occurring problems in older people and can worsen the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Arthritis makes it difficult to move without assistance, hearing or vision problems can cause agitation, anxiety or inability to communicate. Treatment of these diseases increases patient quality of life and caregiver burden eases.