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Alzheimer's Treatment Overview
Is there a cure for Alzheimer's disease?
There is currently no cure for Alzheimer's, but scientific research
is bringing us closer to a cure every day. Outstanding progress
has already been made in unraveling the mysteries of Alzheimer's
disease, including what
causes it and what
happens in the brain as the disease progresses. New understandings
about these processes have already provided critical information
about how doctors might prevent, delay, stop or even reverse the
nerve cell damage that leads to the devastating symptoms of Alzheimer's.
All around the world, scientists and pharmaceutical companies are
now racing to develop treatments that address the underlying disease
processes, some of which (or a combination of which) might effectively
solve the Alzheimer's puzzle.
How is Alzheimer's disease treated?
Scientific research is also providing valuable information about
how drug and non-drug approaches to treatment can improve day-to-day
functioning and maximize quality of life. Drug (pharmacological)
treatments currently available are used to manage the cognitive
symptoms of Alzheimer's, such as changes in thinking, memory and
perception. They can't stop the disease, but they can slow the progression
of symptoms in some people, at least for a while. While drug therapy
is important and beneficial, especially in early stages, the management
of Alzheimer's has evolved to include non-pharmacological
therapies as integral aspects of care. These include various strategies
aimed at managing problematic behaviors, including involvement in
therapeutic activities, home or "environmental" modifications, and
the use of appropriate communication techniques. Support and education
for caregivers and family members is also crucial to the best care
of people with Alzheimer's.
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What are the goals of Alzheimer's treatment?
The primary goals of treatment for Alzheimer's are to improve the quality of life
for the person suffering and for his or her caregiver(s). Treatment typically
comprises three interrelated approaches:
1. Slowing the progression of cognitive decline and treating
specific symptoms and/or co-occurring conditions with drug
therapies.
2. Managing the behavioral symptoms of Alzheimer's. There are many different
strategies for doing this. Non-drug approaches, which should be tried first,
are used by families and caregivers in consultation with social workers, nurses
or support-group facilitators. If non-drug approaches fail to adequately manage
symptoms, your doctor may prescribe medications to help control behavioral symptoms.
Specific strategies that might be recommended for managing these symptoms include:
If behavioral problems become severe, there are a number of drug
treatments that doctors may prescribe to help control
symptoms such as depression, agitation, aggression or sleeplessness.
3. Support and education
for the family and caregiver: Caring for a person who has Alzheimer's
poses tremendous challenges, emotionally, physically and financially.
Caregivers are subject to high levels of chronic stress, and caregiver
burnout is a major factor in the inability to continue caring for
a person with Alzheimer's at home.
Research shows that when family and caregivers are educated about Alzheimer's
disease and have the appropriate support, care of the person with Alzheimer's
is improved. There are many education and support programs available; taking
advantage of these programs will improve not only the quality of life of the
person with Alzheimer's, but also that of the family and caregivers. Good programs
can equip the caregiver with the skills and support necessary to care for a
loved one at home and can significantly delay the time when placement in a
nursing home becomes necessary.
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How is Alzheimer's treatment paid for?
Thanks to a recent, important policy change, Medicare now covers 80 percent
of certain medical services for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Due to this
change, Medicare can no longer deny coverage for these services solely because
the person needing them has Alzheimer's disease, a problem that had been occurring
- and may still be occurring, since the policy change is recent - in some areas
of the country.
The services Medicare now covers include "reasonable and necessary"
doctors' visits; physical, occupational or speech therapy; psychotherapy
or behavioral management therapy by a mental health professional,
and skilled home-care services (such as skilled nursing, speech
or physical therapy). Medicare does not pay for prescription drugs
for Alzheimer's, adult day care, room and board at assisted living
facilities, or custodial care in a nursing home, though it will
pay for medically necessary skilled-care services at assisted living
facilities or nursing homes. Click here for more information on
this important Medicare
policy change.
Medicaid, a joint federal, state and local program for people
with limited income or assets, may cover certain aspects of Alzheimer's
treatment. Guidelines vary by state or region, so to find out what
is covered in your home area, contact the state or local welfare
agency that administers Medicaid in your area.
Click here for more information on Medicaid.
Medigap plans, health insurance plans that supplement Medicare benefits,
may cover some aspects of Alzheimer's treatment not reimbursed by
Medicare, but the extent of coverage depends upon the plan you've
chosen. Check with a Medigap provider to find out what is covered.
Click here to learn more about Medigap.
Private health insurance plans also vary widely in reimbursement policies
for Alzheimer's treatment. Check with the administrator of your plan, or your
doctor's office, to find out what is covered.
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Teaching caregivers 
