Hanyang Med Rev.  2006 Feb;26(1):26-32.

Pharmacological Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease

• Lee JH

Abstract

The current treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is based on symptomatic pharmacological therapy of cognitive decline and behavioural disturbance. A number of therapies have been investigated for the treatment and prevention of AD. Much of the recommendations center around the use of cholinesterase inhibitors, which is the mainstay of treatment for AD. Corrections of dysregulations of the central nervous system neurotransmitters (cholinesterase inhibitors for cholinergic deficiency and memantine for glutamatergic overstimulation) bring significant, but modest therapeutic improvement. Anti-inflammatory drugs and antioxidant agents could help against the neurotoxic cascade of the beta amyloid peptide. Some cholesterol-lowering drugs could enhance its clearance. There is insufficient evidence at the present time to recommend ginko biloba, estrogen, statins, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for the prevention or treatment of AD. Progress towards understanding the cellular and molecular alterations responsible for the disease promises therapeutic strategies based upon the pathological processes. This article reviews the available data on current pharmacological treatments through evidence-based medicine.

Keyword

Alzheimer's disease; Treatment; Cholinesterase inhibitors; Memantine

MeSH Terms

Alzheimer Disease*
Amyloid
Central Nervous System
Cholinesterase Inhibitors
Estrogens
Evidence-Based Medicine
Ginkgo biloba
Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
Memantine
Neurotransmitter Agents
Pathologic Processes
Amyloid
Cholinesterase Inhibitors
Estrogens
Memantine
Neurotransmitter Agents