Alzheimer Disease: Pharmacologic and Nonpharmacologic Therapies for Cognitive and Functional Symptoms

Am Fam Physician. 2017 Jun 15;95(12):771-778.

Abstract

Alzheimer disease comprises a syndrome of progressive cognitive and functional decline. Treatments should target cognitive and functional symptoms. Cholinesterase inhibitors, memantine, and a combination of a cholinesterase inhibitor and memantine have produced statistically significant but clinically small delays in various domains of cognitive and functional decline in select patients with Alzheimer disease. Vitamin E has been shown to delay functional decline in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer disease, especially when taken in combination with a cholinesterase inhibitor. Structured programs of physical exercise improve physical function and reduce rates of neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients with mild to severe Alzheimer disease. Cognitive stimulation programs show benefit in maintenance of cognitive function and improved self-reported quality of life in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer disease.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alzheimer Disease / drug therapy
  • Alzheimer Disease / therapy*
  • Cholinesterase Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Dopamine Agents / therapeutic use
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Evidence-Based Medicine
  • Exercise
  • Humans
  • Nootropic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

Substances

  • Cholinesterase Inhibitors
  • Dopamine Agents
  • Nootropic Agents