[Pharmacological therapy in Alzheimer's disease. Current clinical practice in The Netherlands].
Pharmacological therapy in Alzheimer's disease. Current clinical practice in The Netherlands. Dementia affects 195,000 patients of 65 years and older in The Netherlands currently. Rivastigmine and galantamine, both cholinesterase inhibitors, and memantine, an NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) antagonist, are licensed for the treatment of AD. In clinical practice, these drugs have limited effects on cognitive and other symptoms of dementia. We describe the practical care of some patients treated with these drugs and discuss the pros and cons of pharmacotherapy in AD. Extensive knowledge of the drugs, other treatment options and of dementia are necessary for good clinical practice in the treatment of these patients and the counselling of their caregivers.
Schölzel-Dorenbos
C J M
CJ
Geheugenpolikliniek Slingeland Ziekenhuis, Kruisbergseweg 25, 7009 BL Doetinchem c.scholzel@slingeland.nl
D000368:Aged; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018691:Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005702:Galantamine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008559:Memantine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009426:Netherlands; D048448:Phenylcarbamates / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000068836:Rivastigmine; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors; D018691:Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists; D048448:Phenylcarbamates; D005702:Galantamine; D000068836:Rivastigmine; D008559:Memantine