Drug therapies for cognitive impairment and dementia.

Abstract

Drugs currently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease include acetylcholinesterase inhibitor drugs (tacrine [Cognex®], donepezil [Aricept®], rivastigmine [Exelon®, Exelon Patch®], and galantamine [Reminyl®, Razadyne®]) and glutamate-modulating drugs (memantine [Namenda®]). They do not halt the underlying degenerative process but can slow disease progression. Piracetam is a nonprescription noot ropic drug designated by the FDA as an orphan drug for myoclonic seizures. Clinical trials in a diverse group of patients with age-related dementia or cognitive impairment demonstrated a significant benefit, but the methodology of these studies is poor, and long-term effects are unknown. Other therapies discussed in this article include Ginkgo biloba, a nonprescription natural supplement, and Axona", designated by the FDA as a medical food.

• Authors: Robert H Howland
• Journal: Journal of psychosocial nursing and mental health services (J Psychosoc Nurs Ment Health Serv) Vol. 48 Issue 4 Pg. 11-4 (Apr 2010) ISSN: 0279-3695 [Print] United States
• PMID: 20349884 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Caprylates
• Cholinesterase Inhibitors
• Nootropic Agents
• Plant Extracts
• Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate
• Triglycerides
• Glutamic Acid
• octanoic acid

Topics

• Aged
• Caprylates (therapeutic use)
• Cholinesterase Inhibitors (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Cognition Disorders (drug therapy, nursing)
• Dementia (drug therapy, nursing)
• Food, Formulated
• Ginkgo biloba
• Glutamic Acid (metabolism)
• Humans
• Nootropic Agents (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Phytotherapy
• Plant Extracts (therapeutic use)
• Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate (antagonists & inhibitors)
• Triglycerides (therapeutic use)