Currently there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. However, there are several treatments that help delay the progression of Alzheimer’s disease and help patients maintain mental function and manage behavioral symptoms. These drugs work by regulating neurotransmitters and include donepezil (Aricept®), rivastigmine (Exelon®), galantamine (Razadyne®) and memantine (Namenda®). Antidepressants can also be prescribed to help improve the associated depression. These medications are effective for some, but not all, people and often only help for a limited time.
There are also six important factors that have been associated with staying healthy as people age. These are a nutritious diet, physical activity, social engagement, mental stimulation, adequate sleep and good stress management. These same factors may also help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.