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Alzheimer’s disease is a form of degenerative brain disease that results in progressive mental deterioration characterized by perplexity, memory trouble, and confusion.
Alzheimer's disease leads to progressive dementia and is often accompanied by dysphasia and dyspraxia. The condition may even give rise to spastic weakness and paralysis of the limbs, epilepsy, and other neurological disorders.
Alzheimer’s disease changes the function of the brain in many ways, one of which leads to a decrease in the levels of acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is a chemical messenger that helps the brain in retaining memory. Alzheimer’s disease has no cure, however Alzheimer’s drugs, if properly used can hold the progression as long as 18 months. Cholinesterase inhibitors are a type of drug that have been seen to improve the effectiveness of acetylcholine either by increasing the amount of it in the brain or by strengthening the way in which neurons respond to it.
Alzheimer's treatments
The following types of cholinesterase inhibitors are used against Alzheimer’s disease:
Donepezil - this is the most popular cholinesterase inhibitor, offering a convenient once-a-day dosing. Donepezil has been found to temporarily postpone the development of Alzheimer's disease in patients with mild cognitive impairment.
Galantamine - this newest cholinesterase inhibitor has been approved by the FDA in 2001.
Rivastigmine - this drug has been found to successfully postpone the spread of Alzheimer’s. however, one problem of the rivastigmine is the side effects. Higher dosage of rivastigmine is more effective, but causes gastrointestinal problems such as nausea or vomiting.
Tacrine - this drug is available on the market since 1993 but is rarely used because of the side effects.
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