Treatment options
Treatment for Alzheimer’s disease is designed to solve emergent problems. As of now, there is no cure for the disease. Current research is trying to find additional drugs that slow down the progression of the disease.
In the mild and moderate stages of the disease, the treatment focuses on maintaining cognitive function as much as possible. This is possible through cholinesterase inhibitors and Alzheimer’s disease-specific mental activities. They are aimed to delay the progression of the disease.
Cholinesterase inhibition helps these patients increase the levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. By increasing cholinergic innervation and activity in the brain, cholinesterase inhibition promotes learning and cognitive function. The mechanism of action is inhibiting the enzyme cholinesterase, which breaks down acetylcholine.
Mental exercises can be recommended to support cognition in the earliest stages of the disease. They include brain teasers, crossword puzzles, and other activities. Their effectiveness is under research, and it appears to be helpful in some patients. It is important to choose activities that do not cause frustration to patients.
