While no cure is yet on the market to treat Alzheimer's, there are a number of ways that this illness can be managed. Becoming informed about different methods of treatments can make living with this disorder possible. Among these treatment options are therapy and care giving, in additional to medicines.



There currently exist three drugs approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration and the European medicines agency, which are called Aricept, Razadyne, and Exelon. All three are effective in treating moderate or mild Alzheimer's, although these drugs are less effective when dealing in the treatment of advanced stages of the disease.

Over time, Alzheimer's disease will become more severe and emotional control will be lessened to the point where an individual with the illness may snap or lash out in anger at others. Pharmaceutical drugs can be used to such unpredictable behavior, which will improve the ability of someone with the disease to go out in the public and conduct normal activities without worries.

Therapy can be helpful for Alzheimer's patients, as it will teach them to identify problem behaviors and show them how to control their actions, resulting in improved social function. Therapy is widely criticized as not being effective, and tests are still ongoing to decide whether group or individual therapy can have a positive effect in treating Alzheimer's disease.

Other forms of therapy can include placing individuals in familiar situations by showing them photographs and music from their everyday lives, which can help in improving memory function and concentration.

Therapy using such elements as tape recordings or the voices of loved ones and testing memory recall is typically conducive of a soothing feeling in those with Alzheimer's, as they gain a sense of security from the familiar settings.

As Alzheimer's worsens, a person will lose more and more social function and become dependent upon others. Typically, a caregiver is required as the disease enters the moderate to severe stage, as those with Alzheimer's may take a scalding hot shower or drive to a place and forget where they are or how they got there. If there is no one willing to take care of the sufferer of Alzheimer's disease, then a nursing home can be used, which can provide twenty-four hour care.

Due to the wide variety of treatments on the market, staying on top of the latest developments is important in selecting the options right for you, as well as your loved ones. Care giving, pharmaceutical drugs, and therapy are all viable options in managing this disorder.