Combination of Alzheimer's Drugs More Helpful In the Long Run?

While I'm grateful for the current selection of Alzheimer's treatments, it's common knowledge that there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease, and the FDA-approved medications available are only thought to help some people for a short period of time.

However, a study recently published in the July/September issue of Alzheimer's Disease and Associated Disorders found that a combination of Alzheimer's drugs provided long-term benefits not immediately recognized by family members or during short-term studies.

Conducted by researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital, the study is unique in that it's a long-term investigation of "real-world" use of Alzheimer's drugs. It's well-constructed. Three groups of patients were compared: (a) those taking no Alzheimer's medication; (b) those taking a cholinesterase inhibitor (Aricept, Exelon, or Razadyne); and (c) those taking both a cholinesterase inhibitor and memantine (Namenda).

The researchers found that those taking both a cholinesterase inhibitor and memantine showed the least decline over time, while those taking just a cholinesterase inhibitor showed the second smallest amount of decline.

The study suggests that extended treatment is better than short-term treatment, and that combination treatment is better than treatment with a single medication. Since Alzheimer's disease inevitably results in decline, families may not realize that the drugs are still working by reducing the level of decline.

I'm encouraged by the study, especially since it was fully funded by the National Institute on Aging and the Massachusetts Alzheimer's Disease Research Center. The pharmaceutical industry did not provide any funding or oversight. Still, I caution families to become educated about the risks and side effects of Aricept, Exelon, Razadyne, and Namenda. They're certainly not perfect, but perhaps they result in benefits not immediately apparent to us.

Recommended reading:

• Stages of Alzheimer's Disease
• Alzheimer's Treatments
• What to Ask Your Doctor About Alzheimer's Medications

Photo of Namenda © Gold Standard