Alzheimer’s treatment includes medications, such as cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine, dietary supplementation of vitamins, especially vitamin E, hormone therapy, and potentially even marinol, a synthetic version of the active chemical in cannabis. Alzheimer’s treatment and medication strategies focus on reducing Alzheimer symptoms and slowing the progression of the disease.

Aricept, Excelon and Other Cholinesterase Inhibitors

A number of different Alzheimer’s medications known as cholinesterase inhibitors are used to treat symptoms of early or mid-stage Alzheimer’s. Cholinesterase inhibitors block the enzymes that destroy acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter necessary for memory and other cognitive functions. A low level of acetylcholine is one of the characteristic symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.

Cholinesterase inhibitors include medication such as donepezil (Aricept®), rivastigmine (Exelon®), tacrine (Cognex®), and galantamine (Reminyl®). Up to forty percent of patients with early to mid-stage Alzheimer’s disease who take Aricept, Exelon, Cognex, or Reminyl show signs of improvement.

Cognex, Reminyl, and other cholinesterase inhibitors do not cure Alzheimer’s, nor can they halt the progression of symptoms. They can, however, slow disease progression. All cholinesterase inhibitor medications are almost equal in their ability to slow Alzheimer’s symptoms, but each medication has different side effects and drug interactions, so the choice of which medication to use should be based on individual needs.

Memantine: For Moderate to Severe Symptoms

Aricept, Exelon, Cognex, and Reminyl are all intended to treat early to mid-stage Alzheimer’s symptoms. Memantine (Namenda™) is the only medication that treats moderate to severe Alzheimer’s. Memantine blocks the action of glutamate, a neurotransmitter that carries electrical signals between brain cells. Memantine has been proven to reduce symptoms and improve memory loss alone and in combination with medications such as Aricept and Excelon.

Vitamin E and Alzheimer’s

Vitamin E’s antioxidant properties may delay the progression of Alzheimer’s disease symptoms. The American Academy of Neurology advocates the use of vitamin E to help treat Alzheimer’s symptoms, and recommends a twice daily dose of 1,000 IU (International Units) of vitamin E for Alzheimer’s patients. More information about the effects of vitamin E and other vitamins on Alzheimer’s symptoms is available at Alzheimer’s Vitamins.

Estrogen Steroids and Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

Estrogen steroids and HRT (hormone replacement therapy) occupy a controversial place in Alzheimer’s treatment. Many anecdotal and clinical results suggest that HRT and estrogen steroid supplements delay, or even prevent, Alzheimer’s symptoms in women. However, recent studies suggest that combination estrogen and progestrin HRT increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease slightly. Clinical investigations into the relationship between HRT, estrogen steroids, and Alzheimer’s symptoms will hopefully determine whether estrogen HRT is preventative or not.

Marinol: Synthetic Cannabis

Marinol (dronabinol), a synthetic form of THC, the active chemical in cannabis, has been used to treat anorexia in HIV/AIDS patients and to treat nausea and vomiting in chemotherapy patients. New research indicates marinol may help reduce agitation in Alzheimer’s patients, as well. The Phase 2 nine-week study found that Alzheimer’s patients taking marinol showed a marked decrease in behaviors associated with agitation due to dementia, including pacing, restlessness, and physical and verbal aggression. A small percentage of participants experienced negative side effects when taking marinol. These included dizziness, sleepiness, anxiety, vomiting, and accidental injury.