Learn More: Alzheimer's Disease
The Future of Alzheimer's Treatment
Researchers continue investigating the role of genes, beta-amyloid, tau protein, inflammation, oxidative stress, neurotransmitters, high cholesterol, and brain cell death in AD. Understanding the nature of the disease will help researchers develop new, effective treatments. Investigational areas range from new medications to nutritional herbs and supplements.
Medications currently being studied that may one day prove useful in AD treatment include the following:
- Statins: Cholesterol-lowering drugs that could be used to help counter the buildup of beta-amyloid plaques in the brain
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Medications intended to help reduce inflammatory processes at work in AD
- GABA receptor antagonists: Medications being developed to help regulate levels of neurotransmitters involved in memory and cognition
- Estrogen: A hormone that could prove useful in aiding memory and prolonging independent functioning in postmenopausal women with AD
- Leuprolide: A hormone that could improve cognitive function and slow progression of mild to moderate AD in men over 65
- Neramexane: An NMDA receptor antagonist intended to boost cognitive function in people with moderate to severe AD by blocking excess levels of a neurotransmitter called glutamate
Other investigational medical treatments include the following:
- Stem cell therapy -- a technique that involves helping activate dormant stem cells in the brain, stimulating them to regenerate brain cells lost to AD
- Gene therapy -- a technique that involves implanting nerve growth factor (NGF) cells, which may help prevent brain cell death.
