Because AD is a complex disease, it is difficult to treat and it is unlikely that any one drug or other type of therapy will be successful in treating the disease. Current treatment is centered on the maintenance of mental functions combined with the management and control of behavioral symptoms of AD. There are several prescription drugs approved by the FDA to treat individuals with AD. Most drugs tend to be more effective for individuals in the early or middle stages of AD. Although none of these medicines will stop the disease, they can slow down the various symptoms for a period of time. In doing so, a drug intervention may offer the Alzheimer's patient additional comfort and independence for a longer period of time and provide more assistance for caregivers.
