How effective are drugs for Alzheimer's Disease?

Drug treatments specific for Alzheimer's Disease (AD) have been on the market since 1993 (NOTE: The first drug had too many liver side effects, and is no longer used). These drugs are mainly cholinesterase inhibitors (CI). That is a big name, with a simple definition: a chemical, acetylcholine, is needed for cognitive abilities to take place; i.e. memory, language, orientation. In AD the amount of acetylcholine over time is eliminated, as the cells that manufacture this chemical are destroyed. With a CI, additional acetylcholine can be manufactured.
This benefits patients only modestly, and for only a short time; however, it is the best treatment we have to date for AD.
Recently, one of these CI, Aricept, was also approved for severe AD; which indicates that there is also some short term benefit in functional status.
Although a combination of CI drugs is not helpful and only increases side effects, there is now a drug on the market which can be used in combination during the moderate stage of AD. This drug is called Memantine, and has a different mechanism of action than the CI's. Again, the effect is only modest.

It is obvious, that we have a long way to go to offer anything signficant to patient's and their families who suffer through Alzheimer's Disease.

The Alzheimer’s Association is fighting on your behalf to give everyone a reason to hope. For other more information about Alzheimer research, treatment and care, please contact the Alzheimer’s Association.