A variety of drugs are available and being developed for use in treating Alzheimer’s disease and memory loss. The most common ones for Alzheimer’s, such as Cognex, Aricept, Exelon and Razadyne, slow the progression of Alzheimer's by increasing levels of the neurotransmitter
acetylcholine. With some, blood tests for liver function need to be monitored and up to six out of ten people are unable to reach the maximum dosage due to side effects. Other side effects include gastrointestinal discomfort.
Other drugs for Alzheimer’s include Akatinol, an NMDA receptor agent, which prevents harm to brain cells from excessive activity of the chemical glutamate. It was approved by the FDA for treating moderate to severe Alzheimer's dementia. Although approved for twice a day use, it may be given once a day. Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIg) is derived from the pooled blood of thousands of donors. It is used for treating various autoimmune conditions and may be useful in treating Alzheimer's disease.
Eldepryl, raises the levels of certain neurochemicals and promotes nerve cell viability. It has been used in the U.S. for the treatment of Parkinson's disease and has been shown to be effective for the treatment of Alzheimer's. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, or NSAIDS, include drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, etc.), and may have some utility in preventing Alzheimer's disease. However, NSAIDs are not effective in treating Alzheimer's.
Beta-secretase inhibitors are the newest class of drugs being developed for treating memory loss. These drugs stop formation of amyloid plaque and may halt progression of Alzheimer's. Vaccines that dissolve plaques in the brain are also being developed.
Clioquinol, an antibiotic withdrawn from the U.S. market in the 1970s because of adverse effects, may reduce plaque formation by binding to zinc and copper. A recent Swedish study found some benefit in patients with Alzheimer's disease.
Calcium channel blockers, a class of drugs used to treat illnesses like hypertension and migraine, have also been used to treat memory loss. Statins, a class of drugs used to lower cholesterol levels, may reduce amyloid plaque formation and may therefore be helpful in treating some types of memory loss.
Liptor and Memory Loss
Some of the most serious side effects of
Lipitor are troubled breathing, swollen lips, throat closing, decreased
Note: Some statements in this article may not be
approved by the FDA. This article is for informational purposes only and
should not be taken as professional medical advice.