The accredited CME learning activity based on this article is offered under the auspices of the CE department of the University of Toronto. Participating physicians are entitled to one (1) MAINPRO-M1 credit by completing this program, found online at www.geriatricsandaging.ca/cme
David B. Hogan MD, FACP, FRCPC, Professor and Brenda Strafford Chair in Geriatric Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB.
A number of agents are available for treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). They include drugs with a specific indication for AD, nutritional supplements, herbal preparations, and drugs approved for other conditions. Cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs) such as donepezil, galantamine, and rivastigmine are modestly effective for mild to moderate stages of AD. Memantine has a slight, beneficial effect on moderate to severe stages of AD. As ChEIs and memantine have different mechanisms of action, they can be used together. Antioxidants, B vitamins, anti-inflammatories, HMG-CoA reductase enzyme inhibitors, and sex steroids can not be recommended for the treatment of AD at the present time.
Key words: Alzheimer’s disease, drug therapy, cholinesterase inhibitors, memantine, dementia.
