title: [New drug therapy possibilities of Alzheimer disease].
abstract: New drugs are available now for the specific treatment of Alzheimer's disease. The lack of acetylcholine plays an important role in the pathophysiology of this disease. Centrally acting cholinesterase-inhibitors may prolong the action of acetylcholine and thus induce a temporary improvement or stabilization of cognitive performance. The disease progression continues; however, to a lesser extent than without therapy. The need for a patient to enter a nursing home can be delayed by one year on average. Nootropica may also have some modest success in treating cognitive dysfunctions, but the effect size is relatively small. Several agents, such as estrogens, anti-inflammatory drugs and antioxidants, are being investigated for their potential use in Alzheimer's disease, and additional drugs might be available for the treatment of this disease in the near future.
authors: Geriatrische Universitätsklinik, Kantonsspital Basel.
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Bertoli
authors: H B
authors: HB
authors: Stähelin
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D018697:Nootropic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D018697:Nootropic Agents