Alzheimer's disease: an overview for the pharmacist
Journal of the American Pharmaceutical Association (Washington, D.C. : 1996)
|May 1, 1997
Summary
Alzheimer's disease (AD) disproportionately affects women, potentially due to lower estrogen. Current treatments offer symptomatic relief, while research targets halting disease progression and preventing neuronal loss.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Gerontology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Alzheimer's disease (AD) exhibits higher incidence in women, possibly linked to reduced estrogen levels.
- Understanding AD epidemiology, societal costs, and clinical presentation is crucial for effective management.
- Current therapeutic strategies primarily focus on symptomatic relief through cholinesterase inhibition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of Alzheimer's disease (AD).
- To discuss the epidemiology, societal impact, and clinical aspects of AD.
- To explore current and emerging treatment strategies for AD.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of Alzheimer's disease (AD) epidemiology, pathophysiology, and treatment.
- Analysis of current FDA-approved drugs (tacrine, donepezil) and their mechanisms.
- Overview of ongoing research in neurotrophins and neuroprotection for AD.
Main Results:
- Alzheimer's disease (AD) is more prevalent in women, with potential links to estrogen.
- Approved treatments like tacrine and donepezil enhance cholinergic activity but do not halt disease progression.
- Drug development research aims to restore neuronal activity and prevent neuronal loss.
Conclusions:
- Pharmacists play a key role in early intervention and patient/caregiver education for Alzheimer's disease (AD).
- Realistic expectations regarding AD treatment efficacy are essential for patients and caregivers.
- Accessible resources are available for healthcare providers and consumers managing Alzheimer's disease (AD).
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