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.