Is There a Cure For Alzheimer’s?
Unfortunately, today there is no magic pill which treats Alzheimer`s once and for all. But there are a number of medicines and therapies available that can slow down the progression of the symptoms:
- Drugs that increase acetylcholine levels, a substance in the brain that helps nerve cells communicate with each other (acetylcholinesterase inhibitors).
- Drugs that block the effects of an excessive amount of a chemical in the brain called glutamate (memantine).
- Drugs that treat such distressing Alzheimer`s symptoms as anxiety, aggression, delusion and hallucination (anxiolytics, antipsychotics and antidepressants).
Medicine for Alzheimer’s disease symptoms is not the only way to maintain a person`s cognitive ability at the best possible level. Cognitive stimulation therapy, cognitive rehabilitation and reminiscence, and life story work are as effective and important in helping people to live well with Alzheimer`s.
After The Diagnosis
It takes some time to accept that is is in fact Alzheimer`s and adapt to living with it. It can be very helpful to talk about your feelings and things that worry you with your family and friends as well as seeking support from your local Alzheimer`s center. Some people find it is a good time to plan for the future, like thinking about legal, financial and healthcare matters.
Scientific progress keeps moving forward, and perhaps we are very close to discovering better treatment for Alzheimer’s. Meanwhile, it is possible to lead a fulfilling life despite the diagnosis. Alzheimer’s is not a verdict, especially when caught at an early stage.
