Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Whitewater Dementia Friendly Community Initiative (DFCI).
The short answer is no. Despite extensive research a cure has not been found; however, some progress has been made. A class of drugs called cholinesterase inhibitors have been found to help some patients. Another drug called Lecanemab, can prevent amyloid clumps from forming in the brain and is appropriate for early stage Alzheimer’s patients and mild cognitive impairment. Research continues.
Drugs have significant side effects. In addition patients who take several medications should always be aware of drug interaction. Your pharmacist is a good source of information and can help sort out side effects from drug interactions.
Aricept is the best known of the cholinesterase inhibitors. It is taken as a daily pill and is approved to treat all stages of the disease. Other versions are approved for mild to moderate Alzheimer’s. Side effects can include nausea, diarrhea, sleep problems, depression, hallucinations or agitation. The side effects sound frightening but many patients have no problems and few have serious problems.
Lecanemab was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2023. A phase 3 clinical trial found that the medicine slowed cognitive decline in people with early Alzheimer’s disease. The medicine prevents amyloid plaques in the brain from clumping. The phase 3 trial was the largest so far to study whether clearing clumps of amyloid plaques from the brain can slow the disease.
Lecanemab is given as an IV infusion every two weeks. Side effects can include fever, flu-like symptoms, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, changes in heart rate and shortness of breath. Rarely, people taking Lecanemab may have swelling in the brain or may get small bleeds in the brain. The FDA recommends getting a brain MRI before starting treatment and also recommends being monitored with brain MRIs during treatment for symptoms of brain swelling or bleeding. The cost of this drug, infusion and the need for frequent MRI’s may price it out of reach of many patients.
There is quite a bit of interest in CBD oil for treating symptoms of dementia. CBD is one of many chemicals found in marijuana and does not produce a high. Currently there is one CBD product that is approved by the FDA, but for epilepsy, not dementia. Epidiolex is a prescription cannabidiol (CBD) oil and is considered an effective anti-seizure medication. Further research is needed to determine CBD’s other benefits and safety. Studies are underway for its application for treating Parkinson’s, schizophrenia, diabetes, anxiety and dementia.
For more information on medications for dementia, click here
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dementia/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352019
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/how-alzheimers-disease-treated
This article submitted by Dementia Friendly Community Initiative, a program of Whitewater Seniors In The Park to help inform the community about dementia and to support patients and caregivers. New members are always welcome! Contact jfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or call Jennifer French at 262 473 0535. More resources for caregivers:
https://www.co.walworth.wi.us/376/Aging-Disability-Resource-Center
