What are the treatments for the disease?

The 3 medications currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treatment of Alzheimer's disease are donepezil, tacrine, and rivastigmine. These medications are designed to improve memory by increasing the amount of acetylcholine in the body.

Other medications, such as risperidone or quetiapine, may also be used to help behavioral problems such as hallucinations, delusions, or agitation. Some individuals with Alzheimer's disease may also need medications for depression, anxiety, or insomnia.

Other treatments include support and education for those caring for people with Alzheimer's. Individual and family counseling can be beneficial. Support groups have also been found to assist caregivers. As the disease progresses, many families are unable to care for the person with Alzheimer's disease at home, and placement in a special facility is needed.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

Medications used to treat Alzheimer's disease can damage the liver, so periodic liver function tests are needed. Other side effects may include nausea, diarrhea, insomnia, vomiting, fatigue, or muscle cramps.

What happens after treatment for the disease?

Alzheimer's disease is a degenerative disease without a cure. Treatment is lifelong. Because the course of Alzheimer's disease is unpredictable, individuals with the disease should make plans for end-of-life care while they are still able to participate in the decision-making.

Difficult issues that family members may face include the following:

How is the disease monitored?

Individuals with Alzheimer's disease will have periodic visits to the healthcare provider for evaluation and treatment. Periodic liver function tests may be ordered if the person is taking one of the medications that can cause liver damage. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the provider.