New drugs for Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.
BACKGROUND
Alzheimer's disease management involves symptomatic drug treatments passed by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence. Disease modification is now the goal.


OBJECTIVE
To review current and developmental drugs for Alzheimer's disease, their usage, and the clinical context of known facts and proposed specific models.


METHODS
A brief evidence-based review was made, using literature where available, or evidence from consensus groups where it was absent.


RESULTS
There is good evidence to support the use of cholinesterase inhibitors, and perhaps vitamin E. Oestrogen and anti-inflammatory agents show possibility, but there is not enough evidence to support routine use.


CONCLUSIONS
Symptomatic treatments exist for Alzheimer's disease. Observational studies and increasing knowledge of brain biology are leading towards further treatment options. Old age psychiatrists have valuable treatments they now have to learn to use.
Bullock
Roger
R
Department of Old Age Psychiatry and Kingshill Research Centre, Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Trust, Victoria Hospital, Swindon SNI 4HZ, UK. roger.bullock@kingshill-research.org
D000368:Aged; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003704:Dementia / Q000188:drug therapy; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D018579:Patient Selection
D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors