Alzheimer's Dementia

Research Paper # 99319

Biology
Medical and Health > Medical Studies
Medical and Health > Pharmacy

This paper discusses Alzheimer's dementia and looks at treatment by different drugs.

2,639 words () | 16 sources | MLA | 2007 United States

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer discusses that Alzheimer's dementia is a debilitating neurodegenerative disease that afflicts 5 million people in the United States and more than 30 million people worldwide. The writer looks at the four main drugs used in present therapy - Tacrine, Donepizil, Rivastigmine and Galatamine. These drugs are discussed in terms of their pharmacologic properties both individually and as a group. Memantine and the experimental use of tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors are also mentioned. The writer notes that Memantine has shown potential in the treatment of moderate to severe Alzheimer's dementia and may have more potency when paired with a cholinergic agent although trials have yet to determine this empirically. The writer notes that the implication of TNF is still under investigation, with pilot studies showing promise.

Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Problem
Purpose
Thesis
Research Questions/Methodology/Limitations
Review of Literature/Research Findings
Summary/Conclusions

From the Paper:

"Alzheimer's dementia is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that is primarily characterized by global atrophy of the cerebral cortex, with a relatively large proportion of neuronal loss in the CA1 and CA2 zones of the hippocampus and the nucleus basalis of Meynert. Cognizant with this are the clinical manifestations of the disease, primarily a gradual onset of forgetfulness, expressive and receptive aphasia, visuospatial disorientation, apraxia and behavioral changes. However, the academic "classical" symptomology of this disease is often irrelevant in the acute clinical setting as the symptoms are often missed as components of dementia or dismissed as manifestations of ageing. Even if these changes are detected early, the progression of Alzheimer's dementia is relentless."

Sample of Sources Used:

American Psychiatric Association. (1994). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM IV). 4th ed. PsychologyNet.org. Retrieved August 26, 2006 from http://psychologynet.org/dementia.html
Birks J. (2006). Cholinesterase inhibitors for Alzheimer's disease [Abstract]. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 1, CD005593. Retrieved August 26, 2006 from the PubMed database.
Birks J & Harvey RJ. (2006). Donepezil for dementia due to Alzheimer's disease. Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 1, CD001190. Retrieved August 26, 2006 from the PubMed database.
Crismon ML. (1994). Tacrine: first drug approved for Alzheimer's disease [Abstract]. Ann Pharmacother, 28(6), 744-51. Retrieved August 26, 2006 from the PubMed database.
Cummings JL, Schneider E, Tariot PN & Graham SM. (2006). Behavioral effects of memantine in Alzheimer disease patients receiving donepezil treatment [Abstract]. Neurology, 67(1), 57-63. Retrieved August 26, 2006 from the PubMed database.