The Growing Challenge of Alzheimer Disease Part 1

Alzheimer disease (AD) is the fourth leading cause of death after heart disease, cancer, and stroke. The incidence is rapidly increasing as the population ages. Very little is known about the pathogenesis and cause of AD; it is known that nerve cells in the brain malfunction and die. The two current popular hypotheses are the amyloid hypothesis and the vascular hypothesis. Other hypotheses being investigated include the tau hypothesis, nerve growth factors, and inflammation. However, the benefits from this research have been small. Two categories of medications are now available for treatment: acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and one N-methyl-d-aspartate antagonist. There is no agreements as to the best drug therapy regimens to manage symptoms. Neuroleptics, anticonvulsants, benzodiazepines, antidepressants, and other drugs have been used.