Neuroscience
Bassil, N & Grossberg, GT. (2009). Novel regimens and delivery systems in the pharmacological treatment of Alzheimer's disease. CNS Drugs, 23(4), 293-307.
The mainstay of current management of patients with Alzheimer's disease involves drugs that provide symptomatic therapy. Research approaches for future therapy of Alzheimer's disease are focusing on disease modifying and/or preventive approaches. Two classes of medications have been approved by the US FDA for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease: the cholinesterase inhibitors (tacrine, donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine), mostly for mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease, and the noncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonist memantine for the moderate to severe stages of Alzheimer's disease. Management of comorbid medical problems can be more complex in patients with dementia than in those without dementia. Unfortunately, medication adherence in Alzheimer's disease is low and good adherence is essential for attempting to slow disease progression and improve or stabilize quality of life. Simplifying treatment regimens and providing more caregiver- and patient-friendly modes of administration that fit in better with daily routines can ease caregiver stress which, in turn, may have a favourable impact on the patient's condition. To overcome problems of medication adherence in the elderly, simple, user-friendly dosage regimens should be prescribed for all medications; thus the need for novel regimens and delivery systems in the pharmacological treatment of Alzheimer's disease, such as once-daily donepezil, memantine and galantamine, and transdermal rivastigmine.
PMID: 19374459 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
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- Fda: Alzheimer Disease, Aricept (donepezil Hydrochloride)
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Birks J. Cholinesterase inhibitors for Alzheimer's disease. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2006 Jan 25; (1): CD005593. BACKGROUND: Since the introduction of the first cholinesterase inhibitor (ChEI) in 1997, most clinicians and probably most patients...
- In The Weeklies: Alzheimer Disease Treatments
The 06 August 2005 issue of the British Medical Journal includes the full-text contents of this paper reviewing the pharmacological treatment of Alzheimer disease:Hanna Kaduszkiewicz, Thomas Zimmermann, Hans-Peter Beck-Bornholdt, & Hendrik van den Bussche....
- Mixed Dementia
This week's Journal of the American Medical Association includes a clinical review about current knowledge of dementia in the presence of both probable Alzheimer disease and cerebrovascular disease, including neuropsychological and behavioral information,...
Neuroscience
Neuropsychology Abstract of the Day: Alzheimer Drug Regimens & Delivery Systems
Bassil, N & Grossberg, GT. (2009). Novel regimens and delivery systems in the pharmacological treatment of Alzheimer's disease. CNS Drugs, 23(4), 293-307.
The mainstay of current management of patients with Alzheimer's disease involves drugs that provide symptomatic therapy. Research approaches for future therapy of Alzheimer's disease are focusing on disease modifying and/or preventive approaches. Two classes of medications have been approved by the US FDA for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease: the cholinesterase inhibitors (tacrine, donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine), mostly for mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease, and the noncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonist memantine for the moderate to severe stages of Alzheimer's disease. Management of comorbid medical problems can be more complex in patients with dementia than in those without dementia. Unfortunately, medication adherence in Alzheimer's disease is low and good adherence is essential for attempting to slow disease progression and improve or stabilize quality of life. Simplifying treatment regimens and providing more caregiver- and patient-friendly modes of administration that fit in better with daily routines can ease caregiver stress which, in turn, may have a favourable impact on the patient's condition. To overcome problems of medication adherence in the elderly, simple, user-friendly dosage regimens should be prescribed for all medications; thus the need for novel regimens and delivery systems in the pharmacological treatment of Alzheimer's disease, such as once-daily donepezil, memantine and galantamine, and transdermal rivastigmine.
PMID: 19374459 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- Neuropsychology Abstract Of The Day: Alzheimer's Disease
Does pharmacological treatment of neuropsychiatric symptoms in Alzheimer's disease relieve caregiver burden? Drugs Aging. 2012 Mar 1;29(3):167-179 Levy K, Lanctôt KL, Farber SB, Li A, Herrmann NAbstractCaregiving for patients with Alzheimer's...
- Fda: Alzheimer Disease, Aricept (donepezil Hydrochloride)
From the FDA last week: FDA Approves Expanded Use of Treatment for Patients With Severe Alzheimer's Disease FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE P06-168 October 13, 2006 Media Inquiries: Susan Cruzan, 301-827-6242 Consumer Inquiries: 888-INFO-FDA...
- Abstract Of The Day: Alzheimer Disease Drug Treatments
Birks J. Cholinesterase inhibitors for Alzheimer's disease. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2006 Jan 25; (1): CD005593. BACKGROUND: Since the introduction of the first cholinesterase inhibitor (ChEI) in 1997, most clinicians and probably most patients...
- In The Weeklies: Alzheimer Disease Treatments
The 06 August 2005 issue of the British Medical Journal includes the full-text contents of this paper reviewing the pharmacological treatment of Alzheimer disease:Hanna Kaduszkiewicz, Thomas Zimmermann, Hans-Peter Beck-Bornholdt, & Hendrik van den Bussche....
- Mixed Dementia
This week's Journal of the American Medical Association includes a clinical review about current knowledge of dementia in the presence of both probable Alzheimer disease and cerebrovascular disease, including neuropsychological and behavioral information,...