Alzheimer's disease: Treatment

The treatment of Alzheimer's disease includes environmental structuring and drug therapy. Environmental structuring involves providing a safe, nonstimulating milieu that provides consistency and comfort for the patient. Drug therapy is aimed at improving memory rather than curing the disease. Several cholinergic drugs, such as donepezil hydrochloride and physostigmine salicylate, are anticholinesterase inhibitors that prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine to enhance cognitive function. Antidepressants and psychotropic medications should be reserved for patients who have secondary diagnoses such as depression and hallucinations.