Treatment for Alzheimer's disease

A dangerous form of dementia is Alzheimer's disease. Let's consider methods of treating neurodegenerative pathology, new drugs and preventive methods.

The disease got its name from the German psychiatrist Alois Alzheimer, who was engaged in neurobiological research and developed methods for treating brain damage. In 1906, Alois described this disorder, which is more common in people over 50 years of age. Today, the disease has been diagnosed in more than 46 million people worldwide, and scientists predict that this figure will increase 3-5 times in the next 30 years.

The exact cause of the development of the pathology is unknown, but there are a number of risk factors that trigger degenerative changes in the brain:

• Old age.
• Hereditary predisposition.
• Female gender (women get sick more often than men).
• Genetic mutations.
• Cognitive impairment.
• Diseases of the cardiovascular system.
• Traumatic brain injury.
• Severe emotional shock, depression.
• Low level of education and lack of intellectual activity.
• Respiratory diseases that cause oxygen starvation.
• Endocrine pathologies: diabetes mellitus, obesity.
• Sedentary lifestyle.
• Bad habits: alcoholism, smoking, caffeine abuse.
• High blood pressure.

Damage to the nervous system with loss of memory, speech and thinking functions occurs with the following symptoms:

• Difficulty remembering recent events, forgetfulness.
• Depression, anxiety, increased worry.
• Indifferent attitude towards surrounding people and objects.
• Delusional ideas and hallucinations.
• Disorientation in space.
• Inability to recognize close people.
• Convulsions.

As the pathology progresses, it leads to the loss of intellectual skills, making the patient unadapted to life in society.

Treatment of Alzheimer's disease is aimed at eliminating the factors that contribute to its development. In progressive forms of dementia, complete recovery is impossible. Patients are prescribed symptomatic therapy and various corrective methods.

Drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease

The conducted studies indicate that neurodegenerative pathology is incurable. Drugs for Alzheimer's disease are palliative measures to alleviate the patient's condition. Drug therapy consists mainly of drugs that increase the level of acetylcholine in the brain, slowing the progression of the disease. Patients are also prescribed drugs that suppress psychosis and reduce the level of aggression.

Let's look at the main groups of drugs used for damage to the nervous system with loss of memory, speech and thinking functions:

[ 1 ], [ 2 ], [ 3 ], [ 4 ], [ 5 ], [ 6 ]

Cholinesterase inhibitors

The active component in this pharmacological group is acetylcholine. The substance is responsible for the memorization process. In Alzheimer's, the activity of cholinesterase increases. This enzyme destroys acetylcholine and causes memory problems. Medicines slow down the destruction of acetylcholine, preventing the progression of the disease.

1. Rivastigmine

Inhibitor of acetyl- and butyrylcholinesterase. Promotes cholinergic transmission, slows down the degradation of acetylcholine, which is released from cholinergic neurons with intact function. Alleviates cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Active ingredient - rivastigmine hydrotartrate.

• Indications for use: symptomatic treatment of dementia, mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease, idiopathic Parkinson's disease.
• Method of administration: orally, initial dosage – 1.5 mg twice daily. If the drug is well tolerated, the dosage is doubled. The course of treatment is selected individually for each patient.
• Contraindications: intolerance to the components of the medication, history of contact allergic dermatitis.
• Overdose: gastrointestinal disorders, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, bradycardia, bronchospasms, involuntary urination and defecation, lacrimation, hypotension, muscle weakness. In case of severe overdose, Atropine should be taken at a dose of 30 mg/kg.
• Side effects: nausea, vomiting, increased excitability, sleep disorders, depression, aggression, hallucinations, headaches and dizziness, angina, arrhythmia, anorexia, increased sweating, allergic skin reactions, tremor.

Release form: hard capsules for oral administration of 1.5 and 3 mg of active ingredient.

2. Galantamine

A selective, competitive inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase with reversible properties and the active component - galantamine. Stimulates nicotinic receptors, increasing the sensitivity of the postsynaptic membrane to acetylcholine. Restores neuromuscular conductivity and facilitates the conduction of excitation in the synapse. Increases the tone of smooth muscles, enhances the secretion of sweat and digestive glands. Improves cognitive functions in Alzheimer's disease.

• Indications for use: tablets are prescribed for moderate or mild Alzheimer's dementia, poliomyelitis, myopathy, progressive muscular dystrophy, neuritis, radiculitis, cerebral palsy. The injection solution is used for traumatic injuries of the nervous system, spinal cord disease, polyneuritis, idiopathic facial nerve paresis, myopathy, diseases of the peripheral nervous system.
• Method of administration: tablets are taken 5-10 mg 3-4 times a day after meals, the duration of treatment is 4-5 weeks. The dosage of the injection solution depends on the method of administration and the age of the patient, therefore it is determined by the attending physician.
• Contraindications: hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, bronchial asthma, angina pectoris, epilepsy, atrioventricular block, bradycardia, arterial hypertension, hyperkinesis, chronic heart failure, severe renal and hepatic disorders, obstructive pulmonary disease, mechanical intestinal obstruction. Patients under 9 years of age, pregnancy and lactation.
• Side effects: changes in blood pressure, orthostatic hypotension, heart failure, edema, supraventricular tachycardia, bradycardia, ischemia, myocardial infarction. Gastrointestinal disorders, muscle spasms and weakness, fever. Tremor, urinary tract infections, decreased consciousness, allergic skin reactions.
• Overdose: depression of consciousness, convulsions, increased severity of adverse reactions, muscle weakness combined with hypersecretion of the glands of the tracheal mucosa, bronchospasms. Gastric lavage and further symptomatic therapy are indicated for treatment.

The drug is available in two forms: tablets for oral use and injection solution.

3. Neuromidin

Inhibits cholinesterase and blocks potassium channels of cell membranes. Has anticholinesterase properties, improves impulse transmission in the central nervous system and in the brain. Increases smooth muscle tone, improves memory and stimulates the central nervous system. Also has a mild sedative effect, eliminates arrhythmia, stimulates the secretion of the salivary glands. The drug contains the active component - ipidacrine.

• Indications for use: neuritis, myasthenia, memory impairment of various etiologies, complex treatment of multiple sclerosis, cerebrovascular accident, polyneuritis, polyneuropathy, bulbar palsy and paresis, traumatic brain injury.
• The method of administration and dosage are determined by the attending physician, individually for each patient. As a rule, the medicine is taken 1/2-1 tablet 1-3 times a day or parenterally 1 capsule 1-2 times a day. The duration of therapy is 1-2 months.
• Side effects: headaches and dizziness, increased salivation, skin allergic reactions. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bronchospasms, hypersalivation. If the above reactions occur, it is necessary to reduce the dosage or stop treatment for 1-2 days. In particularly severe cases, analogous drugs are prescribed.
• Contraindications: hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, bronchial asthma, vestibular disorders, angina pectoris, bradycardia, pregnancy and lactation, ulcerative and erosive lesions of the gastrointestinal tract, patients under 14 years of age.
• Overdose is characterized by the development of a cholinergic crisis. Against this background, bronchospasms, increased secretion of glands, uncontrolled defecation and urination, vomiting, bradycardia, decreased blood pressure appear. Convulsions, increased drowsiness, general weakness, anxiety. Atropine sulfate is recommended as an antidote.

Release form: 10 tablets in a blister, 5 blisters per package and ampoules for intramuscular and subcutaneous administration of 1 ml of solution.

4. Exelon

A medicinal product with the active component rivastigmine. Selectively inhibits butyryl- and acetylcholinesterase in the central nervous system. Has a positive effect in cognitive impairment caused by acetylcholine deficiency.

• Indications for use: Alzheimer's dementia of moderate or mild form, Parkinson's disease.
• Method of administration: orally 2 times a day. Capsules are taken with water, and the solution is taken undiluted. The average initial dose is 1.5 mg twice a day, gradually increasing to 6 mg. The maximum daily dosage is 12 mg. The duration of treatment is determined by the attending physician, individually for each patient.
• Side effects: nausea, vomiting, weight loss, urinary tract infections, tremors of the extremities, headaches and hallucinations, convulsions, increased sleepiness. Gastrointestinal disorders, tachycardia, bradycardia, increased blood pressure.
• Contraindications: hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, severe liver dysfunction, cardiac conduction disorders, urinary tract obstruction, bronchial asthma, pediatric practice, pregnancy and lactation.
• Overdose: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, arterial hypertension, fainting, hallucinations. Symptomatic therapy is indicated for treatment. Scopalamine can be used as an antidote.

Release form: capsules of 14, 28, 56 or 112 pieces per package, as well as a 50 ml solution in a bottle.

5. Almer

Selective and reversible blocker of acetylcholinesterase in the brain. Prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine, which is responsible for the transmission of nerve impulses in the central nervous system. Each capsule of the drug contains donepezil hydrochloride. It has a nootropic, cerebrovasodilator, antihypoxic and psychostimulating effect.

• Indications for use: elimination of symptoms of mild to moderate dementia, Alzheimer's disease, reduction of the intensity of cognitive impairment. The drug eliminates involuntary repetitive movements, helps to normalize the patient's behavior, eliminates hallucinations, reduces the degree of indifference and apathy to what is happening around.
• Directions for use: Take the tablets once a day at the same time, preferably before bedtime. The initial dosage is 5 mg per day, but gradually increase it to 10 mg.
• Side effects: sleep disturbance, headaches and dizziness, epileptic seizures, extrapyramidal seizures, constant feeling of fatigue, decreased heart rate. Nasal breathing disorders and rhinitis, loss of appetite, dyspeptic disorders, nausea. Skin allergic reactions, muscle cramps, urinary incontinence.
• Contraindications: individual intolerance to the active component of the drug, pregnancy and lactation, childhood of patients.
• Overdose: nausea, vomiting, increased salivation, decreased blood pressure and heart rate, respiratory depression, hyperhidrosis, convulsions, myopathy. Treatment is symptomatic. Antidotes include anticholinergics from the tertiary amine group, such as Atropine.

Almer is available in the form of film-coated tablets that disperse in the orodispersible cavity.

[ 7 ], [ 8 ]

Glutamate inhibitors

Alzheimer's disease is characterized by high accumulation of glutamate, which disrupts the functioning of the cerebral cortex. Medications based on glutamate inhibitors alleviate the course of the disease, increasing the period during which the patient is able to take care of himself independently.

1. Akatinol memantine

The drug contains the active substance memantine hydrochloride. The active component belongs to NMDA receptors. It affects the glutamatergic exchange system in brain cells. Blocks calcium channels, regulates the transport of ions into the intracellular space and normalizes the membrane potential. Activates the process of transmitting nerve impulses, increases the degree of brain activity and improves cognitive performance. Promotes increased physical activity, normalizes behavioral reactions.

• Indications for use: dementia associated with Alzheimer's disease, dementia of unspecified genesis, vascular dementia, mixed dementia.
• Method of administration: orally during meals, dosage and course of treatment are determined individually for each patient. Treatment begins with a minimum dosage, gradually increasing it to the maximum values - 30 mg per day.
• Side effects: increased fatigue, headaches, thromboembolism, drowsiness, hallucinations, arterial hypertension, confusion, pancreatitis, fungal infections. Convulsions, heart failure, nausea and vomiting, shortness of breath, venous thrombosis, psychotic reactions.
• Contraindications: individual intolerance to the components of the drug, pregnancy and lactation, pediatric practice, severe renal failure. The drug is prescribed with caution in case of thyrotoxicosis, epilepsy, myocardial infarction and convulsive syndrome in the anamnesis.
• Overdose is manifested by increased side effects. Symptomatic therapy is used for treatment, sorbents are taken, artificial vomiting is induced.

Akatinol memantine is available in tablet form in various dosages.

2. Neomidantan

Dopaminergic agent, adamantane derivative. Contains the active ingredient amantadine hydrochloride 100 mg. Has anticholinergic activity, improves the main symptoms of dementia and Parkinson's disease.

• Indications for use: neurodegenerative pathologies, dementia, Parkinson's disease, symptomatic parkinsonism, influenza A virus.
• Method of administration: orally, during meals in the first half of the day. The initial dosage is 100 mg per day, later it can be increased to 300 mg per day, divided into several doses.
• Contraindications: hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, impaired and confused consciousness, refractory epilepsy, delirium syndrome, pregnancy and lactation.
• Side effects: acute psychosis, neuromuscular disorders, disorientation, blurred vision, motor restlessness, convulsions, visual hallucinations, pulmonary edema, respiratory failure, renal dysfunction, urinary retention. Overdose has similar symptoms. There is no specific antidote; symptomatic therapy is indicated for treatment.

Release form: capsules with enteric coating, 10 pieces per blister, 5 blisters per package.

3. Phenytoin

Antiarrhythmic and anticonvulsant. Prevents the passage of sodium ions through the membranes of intercalary neurons of polysynaptic pathways. Reduces the rhythmic activity of neurons and the process of irradiation of excitation of the ectopic focus.

The drug is used for epileptic and convulsive seizures, ventricular extrasystole. The initial dosage is 100 mg 1-3 times a day. The course of treatment is determined by the attending physician. The drug is contraindicated in renal and hepatic insufficiency, congestive heart failure, cachexia.

Side effects and overdose are manifested by the following symptoms: headaches and dizziness, tremor, fever, nausea and diarrhea, skin allergic reactions. Treatment is symptomatic with mandatory dosage adjustment.

4. Lubeluzole

Sodium channel blocker, benzothiazole compound. Prevents presynaptic release of glutamate and reduces the level of neurotransmitter in the extracellular space of the brain. Inhibits glutamate-induced neurotoxicity of nitric oxide. Has a pronounced neuroprotective effect in acute focal cerebral ischemia.

To reduce the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, take 10 mg per day for a week with subsequent increase in dosage. The course of treatment is individual for each patient. Side effects are manifested by a transient prolongation of the QT interval on the ECG. The drug is considered experimental.

5. Propentofylline

Adenosine transport inhibitor, activates presynaptic alpha1 receptors, which are directly connected to sodium and calcium channels. Causes inhibition of presynaptic ion channels and release of neurotransmitters. Improves glucose metabolism in the affected area of the brain.

The drug is considered experimental in the treatment of dementia. The dosage and duration of treatment are determined by the attending physician, individually for each patient. Side effects are manifested by arterial hypotension and decreased contractility of the myocardium.

Psychotropic drugs

Neurodegenerative pathology occurs with a depressive state and sleep disorders. To eliminate and minimize these symptoms, neuroleptics and tranquilizers are used. The former combat the patient's psychopathic state, and the latter have a moderate calming effect.

1. Noophen

Nootropic drug with the active substance - phenibut 250 mg. Refers to derivatives of GABA and phenylethioamine. Used as an antianamnestic and antihypoxant. Has tranquilizer properties, normalizes sleep, reduces fear and anxiety. Improves performance and physical activity.

• Indications for use: anxiety-neuropathic conditions, psychopathy, asthenia, neuroses, nervous disorders in children, senile disorders in elderly patients. Prescribed before complex diagnostic procedures and operations. Effective in the complex treatment of withdrawal states, Meniere's disease, vestibular pathologies, osteochondrosis, cognitive disorders and memory impairment.
• Method of administration: as a rule, the therapeutic dose is 250-500 mg two or three times a day. The maximum daily dosage should not exceed 750 mg, and for patients over 60 years old – 500 mg.
• Side effects: nausea, drowsiness, weakness.
• Contraindications: allergic reactions to the components of the drug, pregnancy and lactation.
• Overdose: nausea, liver failure, drowsiness, hypotension. Treatment includes gastric lavage, sorbent intake and further symptomatic therapy.

Release form: tablets of 250 mg, 20 pieces per package.

2. Nozepam

A centrally acting drug. It has a calming and hypnotic effect. It affects benzodiazepine receptors, stimulates the sensitivity of GABA receptors, and inhibits neuronal activity. The active substance is oxazepam. It has weak anticonvulsant and muscle relaxant properties.

• Indications for use: neuroses, sleep disorders, increased excitability, autonomic lability, anxiety, feelings of restlessness and tension, unreasonable fear, chronic alcoholism.
• Method of administration: treatment begins with a minimum dosage of 10 mg 2-3 times a day. Gradually, the dose is increased to 30-50 mg per day. The duration of therapy is about 14-28 days. The drug is discontinued with a gradual reduction in dosage.
• Side effects: general weakness and drowsiness, increased fatigue, anxiety, headaches, muscle weakness, paradoxical reactions. Allergic skin rashes, urinary disorders, decreased libido, ataxia. With prolonged use, drug dependence may develop.
• Contraindications: intolerance to the components of the drug, psychosis, renal or hepatic insufficiency, alcohol intoxication, closed-angle glaucoma, acute respiratory failure, severe depression. Not used in pediatric practice, for pregnant and nursing mothers.
• Overdose: inhibition of the central nervous system, ataxia, hypotension, hypnotic state. Treatment is symptomatic. In case of acute overdose, use the antidote - Flumazenil.

Release form: tablets for oral use of 10 mg, 50 pieces per package.

3. Cortexin

A polypeptide drug with tissue-specific effects on the cerebral cortex. Reduces the toxic effect of neurotropic substances, increases cognitive abilities. Starts reparative processes in the central nervous system.

The drug contains an active component - cortexin. It has anticonvulsant and cerebroprotective effects, restores the functional capabilities of the central nervous system after stress factors. Normalizes the ratio of excitatory and inhibitory amino acids in the brain, regulates bioelectrical activity.

• Indications for use: neuroinfections and encephalopathies of various origins, cerebrovascular accidents, craniocerebral injuries, asthenia, epilepsy. Impaired thinking, memory and learning disabilities, cerebral palsy. Delayed psychomotor and speech development.
• Method of administration: intramuscularly. The vial of the drug is dissolved in 1-2 ml of water for injection or 0.9% sodium chloride solution. The drug is administered at 10 mg per day, the course of treatment is 5-10 days. The dosage for children is 5 mg per day.
• Side effects: hypersensitivity reactions. No cases of overdose have been recorded.
• Contraindications: hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, pregnancy and lactation.

Release form: lyophilized powder for preparation of solution for intramuscular injection, 10 mg per vial.

4. Phenazepam

A highly active tranquilizer with pronounced anticonvulsant, muscle relaxant and hypnotic effects.

• Indications for use: neurotic and neurosis-like conditions, increased irritability, emotional lability. Obsessive phobias, hypochondriacal condition, panic attacks. The drug can be used as a sedative and anti-anxiety agent, as well as for the relief of alcohol withdrawal.
• Method of administration: orally 0.25-0.5 mg 2-3 times a day. The maximum daily dose should not exceed 1 mg. The duration of treatment is individual for each patient.
• Side effects: impaired coordination of movements, increased drowsiness, dizziness, muscle weakness.
• Contraindications: severe renal and hepatic dysfunction, pregnancy and lactation, severe myasthenia.

Release form: tablets of 0.5 and 1 mg in a package of 20 pieces.

5. Mezapam

Benzodiazepine tranquilizer. Has a calming and relaxing effect. Reduces emotional stress, anxiety and fear. Has a vegetative stabilizing effect. Potentiates the effect of neurotropic and hypnotic drugs. Has a mild hypnosedative and muscle relaxant effect.

• Indications for use: neuroses, increased excitability, nervous tension, irritability, migraine, climacteric syndrome, withdrawal syndrome, mental lability.
• Method of administration: orally before meals. Initial dosage is 5 mg 2-3 times a day, gradually increasing to 30-40 mg. Duration of treatment is 1-2 months.
• Side effects: increased sleepiness, weakness in the limbs, dry mouth, itchy skin. Correction of the daily dose is indicated for treatment.
• Contraindications: acute renal and hepatic failure, pregnancy and lactation, severe myasthenia.

Release form: tablets and granules of 10 mg.

Antidepressants

They are used to eliminate anxiety and apathy. To increase the effectiveness of antidepressants, patients undergo a course of psychotherapy, validation treatment, sensory integration and other treatment methods.

1. Befol

Antidepressant, MAO inhibitor. Increases the level of neurotransmitter monoamines in the nervous system. Has an antireserpine effect, enhances the effect of phenamine.

• Indications for use: depressive state of various etiologies, endogenous depressions, manic-depressive psychosis. Various forms of schizophrenia, senile and involutional depressions. Depressive state in chronic alcoholism. Hypochondriacal state.
• Method of administration: orally after meals, intravenously or intramuscularly. The dosage, as well as the duration of treatment, is determined by the attending physician, individually for each patient.
• Side effects: decreased blood pressure, headaches, feeling of heaviness in the head, increased irritability and anxiety. To prevent these reactions, it is recommended to combine the drug with neuroleptics or tranquilizers.
• Contraindications: acute inflammatory lesions of the kidneys and liver, intoxication with medications or drugs, alcohol withdrawal.

Release form: tablets of 10 and 25 mg, 0.25% solution in 2 ml ampoules.

2. Velafax

An antidepressant with the active component venlafaxine. The mechanism of action of the drug is to stimulate the transmission of nerve impulses in the central nervous system.

• Indications for use: treatment and prevention of depressive states of various origins.
• Method of administration: orally during meals. The dosage and duration of therapy is determined by the attending physician.
• Side effects: asthenia, increased fatigue, sleep disorders, headaches and dizziness, excessive excitability, apathy, muscle spasms. Gastrointestinal disorders, skin allergic reactions, increased bleeding time.
• Contraindications: intolerance to the components of the drug, impaired renal and hepatic function, unstable angina, history of myocardial infarction, tachycardia, patients under 18 years of age. Convulsive syndrome, low body weight, closed-angle glaucoma.
• Overdose: ECG changes of varying severity. Treatment includes gastric lavage, inducing artificial vomiting, and taking absorbents.

Release form: 14 tablets per blister, 2-4 blisters per package.

3. Cipralex

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. Increases the concentration of neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft, has a prolonged antidepressant effect on receptor sites.

• Indications for use: panic disorders, depressive states of any etiology and severity.
• Method of administration: orally 1 time per day at 10 mg, regardless of food intake. A stable therapeutic effect develops within 2-4 weeks from the start of therapy.
• Side effects: nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite and sleep, headaches and dizziness, tremor, movement disorders, hallucinations, confusion, anxiety, panic attacks, increased irritability. Increased sweating, decreased libido, ejaculation disorders, dermatological reactions. Most often, side effects develop in the 1st-2nd week of therapy, and then gradually decrease.
• Contraindications: hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, patients under 15 years of age, pregnancy and lactation. It is prescribed with special caution in case of renal failure, uncontrolled epilepsy, tendency to bleeding, liver cirrhosis, depression with suicidal attempts.
• Overdose: drowsiness, agitation, tremor, convulsions, respiratory failure, vomiting. There is no specific antidote, treatment is symptomatic.

Release form: enteric-coated tablets, 14, 28 pieces per package.

4. Coaxil

Tricyclic antidepressant with the active component - sodium tianeptine 12.5 mg. Increases the reuptake of serotonin by neurons of the hippocampus and cerebral cortex. Increases the activity of pyramidal cells, increases the rate of their regeneration.

• Indications for use: depressive state. The drug improves somatic status in cases of abdominal pain, dizziness, muscle pain, and rapid heartbeat. It has a positive effect on the treatment of patients with chronic alcohol dependence.
• Method of administration: orally 1 tablet 3 times a day before main meals. For patients over 70 years of age and with renal failure, the daily dosage should not exceed 25 mg.
• Side effects: abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, flatulence, constipation, sleep disorders, headaches and dizziness, fainting, feeling of heat. Overdose has similar symptoms. Treatment includes gastric lavage, monitoring of the heart, kidneys and lungs.
• Contraindications: intolerance to the components of the drug, patients under 15 years of age, pregnancy and lactation.

Release form: white-coated tablets, 30 pieces per package.

5. Doxepin

Tricyclic antidepressant, dibenzoxepine derivative. Contains the active ingredient doxepine hydrochloride. Has antidepressant, analgesic, moderate antiulcer and antipruritic effects.

• Indications for use: depression, cognitive impairment, anxiety associated with neuroses, psychoses, chronic alcohol addiction. Neurotic reactions with pronounced vegetative symptoms and sleep disorders, panic states. Premedication before minimally invasive procedures. Complex treatment of peptic ulcer, premenstrual syndrome, chronic pain.
• Method of administration: orally after meals. The initial daily dosage is 75 mg with a gradual increase to 300 mg, divided into several doses. The course of treatment takes 2-3 weeks.
• Side effects: increased intraocular pressure, visual impairment, increased heart rate, arrhythmia, intraventricular block, decreased peripheral pressure. Dryness of mucous membranes and skin, intestinal obstruction, stomatitis, urinary retention. Impaired consciousness, increased frequency of epileptic seizures.
• Contraindications: intolerance to the components of the drug, history of myocardial infarction, pregnancy and lactation, pediatric practice.
• Overdose: decreased consciousness, ataxia, psychomotor agitation, increased reflexes, muscle rigidity, epileptic seizures, comatose state. Gastric lavage and intake of adsorbents are indicated for treatment.

Release form: capsules for oral administration of 10-75 mg, solution for intramuscular injections of 25, 50 mg in ampoules of 2 ml.

In addition to the above-mentioned drugs, in Alzheimer's disease it is mandatory to use drugs that improve cerebral circulation, amino acids, vitamins and minerals, and immunostimulants.

[ 9 ], [ 10 ], [ 11 ], [ 12 ]

Alzheimer's Disease Treatment at Home

The specifics of treatment of neurodegenerative pathology directly depend on its stage and clinical symptoms. In particularly severe cases, inpatient treatment with round-the-clock medical supervision is indicated.

Methods of treating Alzheimer's disease at home are reduced to alleviating pathological symptoms and preventing its further progression. To maintain normal brain function, the following methods are recommended:

• Physical activity – regular exercise and gymnastics in the early stages of the disease, have a positive effect on overall well-being and maintain normal muscle tone. Massages and water treatments will be useful.
• Daily walks in the fresh air to maintain a healthy emotional background and good sleep. Stress, depression, chronic fatigue and lack of sleep contribute to the development of the disease.
• Intellectual loads – it is useful for the patient to play various logic games, puzzles, solve crosswords and master new types of activities.
• To activate the brain, music lessons, color or aromatherapy are recommended, which directly affect the receptors of the central nervous system.
• Psychological assistance for the correction of negative psychological factors, depressive states, apathy.

In addition to the above recommendations, the patient needs to be provided with constant communication with loved ones and proper care.

Treatment of Alzheimer's with folk remedies

To enhance the effect of medications, as well as as an auxiliary treatment method for Alzheimer's disease, folk remedies can be used. This category includes various herbal decoctions and infusions, diet.

Traditional methods alleviate painful symptoms, improve blood flow and nutrition of the brain, supply the body with vitamins and other useful components. Let's consider the most popular non-traditional methods of combating dementia:

• Every morning on an empty stomach drink a glass of strong black tea without sugar. Drinking drinks that contain caffeine is contraindicated.
• Grind 5 g of ginseng root, mix the plant with the same amount of lemongrass. Mix everything thoroughly and pour 1 liter of boiling water. Boil the remedy for 15-20 minutes over medium heat, cool and take in small portions throughout the day.
• Buy motherwort tincture at the pharmacy. The medicine has a mild sedative effect, normalizes blood pressure, reduces irritability and improves the quality of night rest. Infusions of St. John's wort and heather have antidepressant properties.
• Add turmeric to your food. This spice has strong antioxidant properties. Reduces the production of lipofuscin, which causes nerve cells to die.
• To improve brain function, take 100 g of Caucasian dioscorea roots. The plant material should be crushed, poured with a liter of vodka and left to brew in a dark place for 10-14 days. Then the infusion should be filtered and taken 1 teaspoon 3 times a day.
• To support the immune system and tone the entire body, infusions of echinacea, leuzea, eleutherococcus, and aralia are recommended. The plant material is poured with boiling water, infused, filtered, and taken in small portions throughout the day.

Traditional treatment of Alzheimer's dementia cannot act as monotherapy. Alternative methods should be combined with medical prescriptions and only after permission from a specialist.

Treating Alzheimer's Disease with Fasting

The main cause of progressive damage to the nervous system with loss of memory, speech and thinking functions is the death of brain cells. Alzheimer's disease is diagnosed in approximately 7% of people aged 65-80 and in 25% after 80 years. The number of people affected increases annually, and the age of patients is getting younger.

To combat neurodegenerative pathology, drug treatment, psychological and physical therapy methods are used. Particular attention is paid to nutrition. Recent studies have found that the treatment of Alzheimer's dementia is possible with the help of fasting. This method is based not on a complete refusal of food, but on reducing its caloric content.

A limited amount of calories slows down neurodegenerative changes in the brain and affects ghrelin, a hormone that regulates eating behavior. Based on this, a partial reduction in the diet allows not only to slow down the development of pathology, but also to prevent its occurrence.

Diet for Alzheimer's Disease

Nutrition is one of the risk factors for developing dementia. A healthy, balanced diet keeps the entire body in good shape, prevents cardiovascular diseases and blood pressure surges. While unhealthy foods with high cholesterol content contribute to the narrowing of blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke and brain damage.

It has been experimentally proven that people with elevated cholesterol levels of 240 mg/dl are more likely to suffer from neuropathologies. American scientists have developed a special diet that can reduce the risk of dementia by 53-30%. The diet is a combination of two diets: for the treatment of hypertension and the Mediterranean diet.

The Alzheimer's diet is called MIND and includes foods that are good for the brain:

• Fresh vegetables, fruits, berries.
• Nuts, whole grains, legumes.
• Olive oil.
• Poultry and fish meat.
• Red wine.

Prohibited products:

• Butter and margarine.
• Cheese.
• Pastries and sweets.
• Red meat.
• Fried food.
• Fast food (fast carbohydrates).

The daily diet should consist of:

• Vegetable salad with herbs.
• 1-3 servings of whole grains.
• Poultry or fish meat.
• Snack on nuts or 1 piece of fruit.
• Glasses of wine.

In addition to a balanced diet, it is necessary to pay attention to the correct organization of nutrition. This point is especially relevant for patients with progressive dementia. Since the patient may have lost the automatism in using cutlery, the usual taste preferences have changed.

[ 13 ], [ 14 ], [ 15 ], [ 16 ], [ 17 ]

Alzheimer's Disease Treatment in Israel

Israeli clinics are considered to be among the most effective and popular methods of treating many pathologies, including Alzheimer's dementia. The demand for treatment in foreign medical institutions is explained by the use of modern technologies, the opportunity to participate in testing new experimental methods, as well as a comprehensive and individual approach.

The treatment consists of several methods, which are divided into specific stages:

1. Drug therapy is aimed at alleviating existing pathological symptoms and improving the general condition.
   1. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors – slow down the process of acetylcholine destruction, improve the functionality of the cholinergic system.
   2. Selegilines are monoamine oxidase inhibitors, they reduce its level and increase the synthesis of dopamine.
   3. Neuroprotectors - most often, patients are prescribed the drug Memantine, which normalizes mental activity and corrects movement disorders.
   4. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
   5. Vitamins and minerals.
   6. Symptomatic remedies.
2. Supportive therapy and computer methods – physical exercise, diet, developing a rest regimen, mental activity, stimulating memory work.
3. Electromagnetic therapy – the brain is affected by electromagnetic impulses of varying intensity. This stimulates the organ and allows the patient’s memory to be partially restored.
4. Deep electromagnetic stimulation of the brain is a non-invasive method of treating movement disorders. To influence the brain, a special helmet-neurostimulator is used, which is equipped with electrodes. The device sends impulses to certain parts of the brain responsible for motor functions.
5. Stem cell therapy – this method is especially effective in the early stages of dementia. Cell therapy allows you to restore dying brain cells, preventing brain tissue atrophy.

The treatment plan is made individually for each patient after undergoing a comprehensive comprehensive diagnosis. The following clinics treat Alzheimer's disease in Israel: Assuta, Sourasky, Hadassah, Meir, Rambam, Asaf-za Rofe and others.

Inpatient treatment for Alzheimer's disease

The last stages of Alzheimer's dementia, when the ability to interact with others, control one's movements and behavior is lost, are irreversible and practically cannot be corrected.

The pathology is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• Complete or partial loss of speech.
• Incontinence of urine and feces.
• Disruption of sleep cycles.
• Uncontrollable bouts of aggression.
• Impaired reflexes: increasing muscle rigidity, weakened swallowing reflex.

The patient stops recognizing people around him and even the closest people, so he needs round-the-clock monitoring and care. Inpatient treatment is recommended for this. The advantage of inpatient treatment is that the patient is under medical supervision 24 hours a day. As for life expectancy, in severe forms of dementia it is 1-2 years. If the patient stops moving independently, the prognosis is less than a month.