Drugs and therapy to treat Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease is a disease that causes brain function damage characterized by difficulty in thinking and remembering. Although until now there is no cure for this disease, there are several types of drugs and therapies that can reduce the symptoms. Come on, discuss one by one the treatment of Alzheimer's disease in the following review.

Medicines to treat Alzheimer's disease

Although it cannot be treated, the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease can be relieved by taking medication. There are several types of drugs approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) based in the United States and the BPOM to treat Alzheimer's disease.

Some of the drugs prescribed to treat Alzheimer's disease in the elderly are:

1. Donepezil

Donepezil is a drug used to slow mild to severe symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. This drug is also commonly used for the treatment of brain injury and Parkinson's disease caused by dementia.

Common side effects include insomnia, vomiting, diarrhea, and infections. In 2015 the POM warned of 2 rare but potentially serious risks from using this drug, namely muscle damage (rhabdomyolysis) and the so-called neurological disorders neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS).

So, before using it you need to consult with a doctor first. If you suddenly experience muscle weakness, do not delay to see a doctor.

Donepezil (Aricept and various other generic drug brands), is available in tablets and lozenges. This medicine can be taken before going to bed and eating, because food will not affect the action of the drug. However, make sure you follow all the recommendations of your doctor and pharmacist in its use.

2. Rivastigmin

Rivastigmin (Exelon), available in capsules that can be taken twice a day andpatch transdermal (patch-like patch). For people with severe Alzheimer's symptoms, this drug is usually given in a transdermal form rather than an oral.

As with donepezil, special attention needs to be paid to using the drug rivastigmine, especially if the patient weighs less than 50 kilograms. The reason is, this Alzheimer's drug can cause side effects such as excessive nausea and vomiting. So the risk of losing the patient's weight drastically.

This Alzheimer's medicine can be taken with food (breakfast and dinner). While the drug in the form of a plaster can be applied once a day to the lower or upper back.

Avoid sticking the drug on the same body part for 14 days. Make sure to press firmly on the medicated patch (at least 30 seconds) against clean skin to ensure that all parts are perfectly adhered.

The side effects that may occur in using this drug are:

• Allergic dermatitis
• Indigestion, such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
• Affects the work of the heart
• Affects the coordination ability of the brain

3. Galantamine

Galantamine (Reminyl), which is available in capsules or tablets, can be taken for breakfast or dinner. But to be sure, ask your doctor and pharmacist about the recommendations for taking this one Alzheimer's drug.

If you previously used the drugs donezepil or rivastigmine (the cholinesterase group of drugs) then you have to wait up to 7 days to take galantamine, so that the side effects of the previous drugs are gone.

Meanwhile, patients who do not experience side effects due to donepezil or rivastigmine can start galantamine therapy a day immediately after discontinuing the previous therapy.

Side effects that may occur when using this medicine are some skin reactions, such as rashes. If your skin problem does not get better, consult a doctor immediately.

4. Memantin

Memantin (Abixa), is available in tablet form and can be used before or after breakfast. These drugs work by reducing abnormal activity in the brain and increasing the ability to think and remember.

Just like other Alzheimer's drugs, this drug also has a side effect that can cause skin problems. The most severe side effect is causing corneal problems. So its use must be according to doctor's recommendations and supervision.

Each drug has different side effects and how it works. The doctor will observe your symptoms and condition first, then determine which drug is most appropriate for consumption. Talk to your doctor if you have allergies or experience any disturbing side effects after using the medication.

Therapy as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease

In addition to taking medication, there are other ways that can be taken to overcome and treat Alzheimer's disease, namely undergoing behavioral therapy, also known as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT).

In some cases, Alzheimer's patients alone or in combination with other types of dementia, may develop symptoms of depression. Well, the goal of CBT therapy is to reduce or prevent depression that often arises in Alzheimer's patients.

However, not all Alzheimer's patients are effective in following this therapy. The reason is, this therapy uses language as an intermediary. So, Alzheimer's patients who have difficulty understanding language may have to make great efforts to follow therapy.

In Alzheimer's patients who are asymptomatic or have no depression, CBT therapy may not be necessary.

Are there any (traditional) herbal remedies for Alzheimer's disease?

Until now, there is no herbal or traditional medicine that has been proven to be able to treat or relieve the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.

Several studies have conducted several observations of the benefits of omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin E, and curcumin in patients with these brain problems. However, until now these supplements have not fully shown the potential as herbal remedies to help treat diseases.

If you are considering these supplements, it's a good idea to consult your doctor first. The doctor will consider the benefits as well as the possible side effects. If the side effects are cause for concern, your doctor will not give you the green light to use the supplement.

Even so, you can still support your doctor's treatment by carrying out appropriate home treatments for Alzheimer's patients, such as:

• Maintain a healthy diet, such as meeting the needs of vitamins, protein, fiber, healthy fats, and other important nutrients in the diet every day.
• Stop smoking and avoid cigarette smoke, which when inhaled and enters the body can cause inflammation.
• Maintain healthy sleep quality, such as consulting a doctor if you experience sleep disorders.
• Exercise to maintain overall body health.
• Be careful about using other drugs that might worsen the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. According to the National Institute on Aging website, some drugs that people with Alzheimer's disease should use with caution are anti-seizure drugs, anti-anxiety drugs, antipsychotic drugs, and sleeping pills.