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two drug classes are approved for use by the FDA:

Cholinesterase inhibitors prevent the breakdown of acetycholine which is an important chemical for memory and learning. The most common type used for all stages is Aricept (donepezil). Some other types for are Exelon and Razadyne.

Namenda (Memantine) works similarly to cholinesterase inhibitors but acts on the chemical messenger glutamate. This drug class is reserved for more moderate to severe cases of the disease.

Medications and therapies are indicated to help patients deal with behavioral and psychiatric issues associated with the disease. While strides are being made to assist Alzheimer's patients their caregivers play an equally important role in their wellbeing. Through the 3R's: repetition, reassurance and redirection caregivers improve and slow down the decline of cognitive and behavioral function which helps to delay placement in nursing homes.

There is no cure and current medications work to improve the patient's symptoms. Initial studies for a vaccine are being revamped due to undesirable side effects. Hopefully, continued efforts will result in a better vaccine. Research efforts and clinical trials show promise of one day having a drug that will be able to delay the disease's progression or better yet a cure. In the meantime, the Alzheimer's Association has a national website, http://www.alz.org, that is chock full of resourceful information for both the patient and caregiver.

Learn more about this author, JL Francis.
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