Melatonin. Melatonin, a natural hormone involved in sleep regulation, is of interest to researchers. It is an antioxidant, it may break down beta amyloid, and it is able to pass through blood-brain barrier. Deficiencies have been observed in patients with Alzheimer's disease. A number of studies (but not all) report that melatonin may improve sleep habits in these patients. Some studies reported slower progression of mental impairment.
Investigative Drugs
A number of drugs are being investigated for treatment and prevention of Alzheimer's disease. Intense areas of research are focusing on drugs that prevent beta amyloid build-up, its toxic effects on nerve cells, or other mechanisms of the disease process.
- Alzhemed. Alzhemed (NC-758) is an experimental drug designed to prevent beta-amyloid accumulation in the brain.
- Flurizan (MPC-7869). Flurizan may help reduce amyloid plaque development. It is currently being studied in Phase III trials for adults with mild Alzheimer’s disease
- Antioxidants. Vitamin E and selenium are being investigated for their preventive effects. Antioxidant treatment trials include curcumin, (the yellow pigment found in turmeric spice), and a combination trial with fish oil and alpha-lipoic acid. A 2005 study found no benefit for Vitamin E treatment.
- Huperzine alpha. This Chinese herbal cholinesterase inhibitor is being studied for improvement of cognitive function.
- Antipsychotics/Anticonvulsants. The antipsychotic drug quetiapine (Seroquel) is being investigated for treatment of AD-associated agitation and psychosis. Valproate (Depakote), an anticonvulsant drug, is in trials for delaying emergence or slowing the progression of agitation and psychosis.
- Statins. Simvastatin, and other cholesterol-lowering drugs, are being investigated for slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
Treating Symptoms Associated with Alzheimer's
Depression. Major depression with dementia that occurs in elderly people may be an early sign of Alzheimer's. In such cases, it precedes Alzheimer's by 2 years or less. (It is, in fact, sometimes difficult to differentiate major depression from early stage Alzheimer's disease.) Antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), including fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft), may be effective in relieving depression, irritability, and restlessness associated with Alzheimer's in some patients.
Apathy. Depression is often confused with apathy. According to one study, apathy is more common than depression in patients with Alzheimer's disease. It responds to stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) rather than antidepressants. An apathetic patient lacks emotions, motivation, interest, and enthusiasm while a depressed patient is generally very sad, tearful, and hopeless.
Previous Section
