The patient's page.

Alternative Approaches in Dementia Treatment

Relaxation Therapy. Relaxation therapies can help lower the levels of agitation and stress in Alzheimer patients and their caregivers. Simple techniques such as massage therapy and expressive physical touching are effective in keeping patients calm, by allaying anxiety and creating an environment in which the patient feels safe. Therapeutic touch has been found to decrease agitated behaviors such as vocalization and pacing and to reduce stress.

Music Therapy. Music therapy improves attentiveness and social interactions in patients suffering from Alzheimer disease. One study showed that individuals who listened to music while bathing exhibited a decrease in 12 of 15 identified aggressive behaviors.

    "Complementary and Integrative Approaches to Dementia"
    By Drs. Victor Sierpina, Jose Loera, Loretta Grumbles, and Michelle
    Sierpina, MS
    Southern Medical Journal, June 2005

Treatments for Alzheimer Disease

Alzheimer disease affects approximately 33% of women and 20% of men aged 65 and older, and as our population ages, these numbers will undoubtedly rise. Researchers have studied various treatment options, including estrogen therapy, ginkgo biloba, and NSAID use. As some of these medications are available over the counter, and may have serious side effects, we have listed the current research results below.

Not Recommended

Ginkgo Biloba. Findings from several studies revealed minimal to no improvement in memory with the use of ginkgo biloba. In addition, there is an increased risk of bleeding complications, and the quality of ginkgo preparations is highly variable. Levels of ginkgolic acid ranged from less than 50 parts per million to 90,000 parts per million in medications with the same labeling and dosage. Based on this data, ginkgo biloba is not recommended for memory enhancement or dementia treatment.

Estrogen therapy. The use of estrogen and hormonal therapy in dementia treatment has been highly publicized. Several studies have revealed no benefit in postmenopausal women diagnosed with mild to moderate Alzheimer disease. In women who did not have dementia before beginning estrogen use, the incidence of dementia was actually higher. Therefore, hormone therapy should not be given to women to prevent or delay the onset of dementia.

Statins. Some observational studies have shown that lowering cholesterol with medication (statins) can impact the development of Alzheimer disease. However, no controlled studies have been done to confirm this hypothesis and more testing is needed.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Studies regarding the use of nonsteroidals (such as aspirin, naproxen, and ibuprofen) in the treatment of Alzheimer disease have yielded conflicting results. Although more studies need to be done, NSAID use is currently not recommended due to potential side effects.

Recommended

Antioxidants. Although most studies involving antioxidants have been inconclusive, one study has shown that high doses of vitamin E may prevent or delay dementia when taken during the early stages of the disease. Due to the fact that vitamin E is generally safe and well tolerated, some practitioners have recommended adding high doses of vitamin E supplementation (2000 IU) to the diet.

Cholinesterase inhibitors. Studies have shown that cholinesterase inhibitors improve cognitive function and are effective in treating all stages of Alzheimer disease. There are four FDA approved cholinesterase inhibitors for the treatment of dementia: Cognex (tacrine), Aricept (donepezil), Exelon (rivastigmine), and Reminyl (galantamine). Cholinesterase inhibitors should be started early, so speak to your physician if you believe you or a family member are showing signs of memory problems.

    "Treatments for Alzheimer Disease"
    By Dr. Darryl Potyk
    Southern Medical Journal, June 2005