title: [Alzheimer's disease therapy--theory and practice].
abstract: Alzheimer's disease (AD), a progressive degenerative disorder of the brain, affects a significant proportion of elderly population. The pharmacotherapy of AD is evolving rapidly. However, many doctors suggest the treatment which does not provide benefits in patients with the disease. The primary aim of this article was to review available data on the pathophysiologic background of AD and thus the most commonly used therapeutic agents, specifically cholinesterase-inhibitors (rivastigmine), Ginkgo biloba, piracetam and selegiline. Relevant double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled studies were identified through a comprehensive search of Medline, NICE, Embase and CENTRAL databases.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Only inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase are approved in mild and moderate stages of AD treatment. There is no evidence that Ginkgo biloba, selegiline, piracetam provide cognitive or behavioural improvement.
authors.affiliation: Z Zakładu Badawczo-Leczniczego Chorób Zwyrodnieniowych GUN IMDiK PAN w Warszawie.
authors.forename: Tomasz
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Gabryelewicz
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Barcikowska
authors.forename: Dorota L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Jarczewska
mesh_terms: D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D020441:Ginkgo biloba; D006801:Humans; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018697:Nootropic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010889:Piracetam / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012642:Selegiline / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D018697:Nootropic Agents; D012642:Selegiline; D010889:Piracetam