Alzheimer’s disease already affects more than 6 million Americans today and is the sixth leading cause of death in the US. It is projected that by 2050, the number of those who suffer from this disease will rise to nearly 13 million.
After more than two decades, the FDA has now approved the drug aducanumab, under the name Aduhelm, making it the first medication cleared by regulators to slow cognitive decline in those living with Alzheimer’s. The US agency said Monday it determined there was substantial evidence that “as a result of FDA’s approval of Aduhelm, patients with Alzheimer’s disease have an important and critical new treatment to help combat this disease.” This drug works by targeting the beta-amyloid compound found in the brain which is a key component for Alzheimer’s.
While there is no complete cure for Alzheimer’s there are five drugs currently approved by the FDA that can treat its symptoms. Three of these medications, donepezil, galantamine, and rivastigmine, are part of a class of drugs called Cholinesterase Inhibitors. These can prevent a breakdown of the chemical messenger in the brain that is important for learning and memory. The fourth drug, memantine, regulates the activity of a chemical in the brain that is also important for learning and memory. The fifth drug is a combination of donepezil and memantine.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, all of these drugs are able to help those suffering from mild to moderate symptoms. While we currently have made great strides to control this terrible disease with new medications, clinical studies are important to continue research and finding a possible cure. You can visit all.org/trialmatch to see if you or your loved one can participate.
For more information on these medications, view the Alzheimer’s Association FDA-approved treatments for Alzheimer’s.
Comfort Keepers of Santa Clarita is the largest provider of home care services in the Santa Clarita Valley, with over a decade of experience with senior home care. It is our mission to support families in need by offering services that range from part-time to long-term. Your aging loved one deserves to stay in the comfort of their own home, and with a Caregiver from Comfort Keepers Santa Clarita, you can rest assured knowing that they are in safe hands. Each trained caregiver is a professional trained to make sure your loved one is safe & happy. One of our Care Managers would love to answer any questions you may have, so give us a call to learn more about our wide range of services for both you and your senior loved one.
Comfort Keepers of Santa Clarita
23900 Lyons Ave
Santa Clarita, CA 91321
(661) 523-0322
www.homecaresantaclarita.com
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