Alzheimer’s Disease: What is the Best Treatment?

Written by Lori Jo Vest

Fact checked by The Brain Blog Team

Alzheimer’s Disease is a complex disorder that ultimately results in death after a prolonged period of mental and physical decline. The Alzheimer’s Association describes it as “a type of dementia that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. Symptoms eventually grow severe enough to interfere with daily tasks.”   

 Even though thousands of scientists worldwide are working on treatment and ultimately a cure for Alzheimer’s disease, there is still no way to stop the disease’s progression.   

Alzheimer’s disease is a very complex brain condition. There is no particular medication or therapy that can cure it, so most medical professionals focus on helping patients maintain their cognition, manage their moods and behavior, and slow down the disease’s progression.

While there is no cure, there are many things that can help someone living with Alzheimer’s maintain a quality lifestyle. Typically, the patient’s family will work with the healthcare team to create a “care plan” which includes:

Most neurologists will prescribe some of the several FDA-approved drugs to help their patients address symptoms like mood swings, insomnia, and memory loss, as well as slowing down the progression of symptoms.    

Cholinesterase inhibitors are prescribed for patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease, helping reduce behavioral symptoms. Specifically, these drugs are Razadyne® (galantamine), Exelon® (rivastigmine), and Aricept® (donepezil). Scientists believe that since the brain of an Alzheimer’s patient produces less and less acetylcholine, these inhibitors may help slow down the degradation of memory and thinking.   

Namenda® (known generically as memantine) is prescribed for moderate and severe Alzheimer’s disease. It reduces symptoms like memory loss, cognition difficulties, and the inability to perform simple tasks, allowing those living with Alzheimer’s disease to live a more normal daily life for an extended time. For example, a patient that can maintain the ability to use the bathroom facilities independently retains their dignity and creates fewer challenges for their caregivers. Namenda® is believed to help the body regulate glutamate, a brain chemical that leads to brain cell death if produced in excess.   

Because cholinesterase inhibitors and Namenda® work differently, they can be used in combination for better results, as long as the patient is closely monitored by a medical professional.

A consistent schedule of doctor visits will help ensure the person living with Alzheimer’s responds to their medication as expected and isn’t experiencing any new problems. Be sure to ask your medical team about how to meet your loved one’s needs best. Are there signs and symptoms you should be looking for to ensure that your person stays healthy? Are there local resources you can call on to help relieve caregiver stress and provide helpful household services? Your neurologist’s office should be able to direct you to useful products, information, and services.

There are many things that caregivers can do to help manage the mild behavioral challenges that accompany Alzheimer’s disease. For example, monitoring your person’s comfort can help you anticipate when they may get upset. Are they hungry? Cold? Thirsty? Do they have to use the restroom? Redirecting your loved one’s attention when they get frustrated can stave off emotional eruptions.

Medications are one way to treat disease, but in recent years many experts are now recommending nutritional supplementation for treating and prevention dementia and Alzheimer's. One nutritional supplement has even received an official U.S. Patent for the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s.  The supplement is the patented Memory Health® supplement and it has been scientifically proven in double-blind, placebo-controlled studies to improve cognitive function, memory, sight, focus, and mood.   

The active ingredients in Memory Health® — Carotenoids (Lutein,  Zeaxanthin, and Meso-Zeaxanthin) and Omega-3s (DHA and EPA) — have all been identified as existing in the human brain. These specific nutrients support brain health and protect the brain from degenerating with powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.   

In fact, in an independent clinical study, people with Alzheimer’s who supplemented their diets with the Memory Health® carotenoid and omega-3 formula achieved statistically significant positive results in cognitive function and memory.  Further, the progression of Alzheimer’s disease was slowed, and functional improvement was seen in their ability to perform routine daily activities. Specifically, caregivers observed significant improvements in the study participants’ memory, sight, and mood.   

Learn more about this critical breakthrough in Alzheimer’s disease prevention and treatment: The Science Behind the Memory Health® Brain Health Supplement