J Korean Med Assoc.  2024 Mar;67(3):213-220. 10.5124/jkma.2024.67.3.213.

Pharmacotherapy for patients with Alzheimer’s disease

• Kim YJ

• KMID: 2553289
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5124/jkma.2024.67.3.213

Abstract

Background
Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative condition characterized by the accumulation of amyloid and tau proteins, leading to neuronal loss, cognitive decline, and difficulties maintaining daily activities. As the elderly population grows, interest in effective Alzheimer’s disease treatment is increasing.
Current Concepts
The recent approval of drugs by the United States Food and Drug Administration with mechanisms based on the amyloid cascade hypothesis, in addition to existing therapies based on the cholinergic hypothesis, raises the possibility of introducing these novel agents in South Korea.
Discussion and Conclusion
Currently, South Korea offers cholinesterase inhibitors and an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist based on the cholinergic hypothesis for Alzheimer’s disease dementia. Each drug has different indications under national health insurance coverage depending on dementia severity. The development of new intravenous drugs targeting the amyloid cascade offers potential benefits not only for early-stage Alzheimer’s disease but also for mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease, suggesting a wider scope for future pharmacological intervention.

Keyword

Alzheimer disease; Drug therapy; Cholinesterase inhibitors; Amyloid beta-peptides; 알츠하이머병; 약물요법; 콜린에스테르분해효소 억제제; 아밀로이드베타펩타이드