These approaches recognize that behavior is often a way of communicating for those with Alzheimer’s.
The goal of non-drug approaches is to understand the meaning of thechallenging behaviorsand why they are present.
Or attempt to offer a shower at a different time of day.
Photo Illustration by Joules Garcia for Verywell Health; Getty Images
Rather than using medication if someone is upset or agitated, a non-drug approach tries to understandwhythey might beagitated.
Perhaps they need to use the bathroom, arein pain, or think they lost something.
Note what happens right before the behavior, try something different the next time, and track the results.
Validation Therapy
you’re able to often avoid escalating troubling behaviors by changing your own perspective.
This is validation therapy, and it can be very effective in calming the person who is upset.
Brain Engagement
Other non-drug approaches target the cognitive functioning of the person with Alzheimer’s disease.
Know What to Expect
The familiar saying of “knowledge is power” is very true here.
This can provide more compassion and reduce frustration.
Prescriptions
Cognitive enhancers are medications that attempt to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s symptoms.
While these medications appear to improve thought processes for some people, the effectiveness overall varies greatly.
They include cholinesterase inhibitors, N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonists, and amyloid beta-directed antibodies.
Cholinesterase Inhibitors
Cholinesterase inhibitors act by preventing the breakdown of acetylcholine in the brain.
Normal levels of glutamate facilitate learning, but too much can cause brain cells to die.
Namenda has been somewhat effective in delaying the progression of symptoms in later Alzheimer’s disease.
The FDA approved Aduhelm for the treatment of mild cognitive impairment or early Alzheimer’s disease.
However, studies indicated that Aduhelm provided no benefit or only a minimal effect in slowing cognitive decline.
Aduhelm is not currently available in the United States.
It is designated for moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease.
Cognitive enhancers need to be monitored regularly for side effects and interaction with other medications.
Vitamin E supplementation showed the most promise.
Although there is no cure yet for Alzheimer’s disease, be encouraged.
Researchers are constantly working on finding more effective treatment and prevention methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Drugs are the cornerstone of treatment for Alzheimers disease.
These drugs may increase levels of a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine that is central to learning and short-term memory.
In people with Alzheimers, acetylcholine levels are almost invariably low.
A transdermal formulation of donepezil (Adlarity) has also been approved to treat Alzheimer’s disease.
Corium.Corium receives FDA approval of Adlarity (donepeziltransdermal system) for treatment of patients with Alzheimers disease.
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Kelley BJ, Knopman DS.Alternative medicine and Alzheimer disease.Neurologist.
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Alzheimer’s Association.Alternative treatments.
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Alzheimer’s Association.Medications for memory, cognition, and dementia-related behaviors.
National Institute on Aging.Alzheimer’s disease medications fact sheet.
