The medicines appear to be as good as or better than the medicines physicians have available now to treat agitation, says Tariot. Patients' aggression and agitation are often the top concerns among families of patients, say physicians. This type of medicine alleviates those symptoms for many patients in a population that is a bear to treat. The medicine, called carbamazepine, appeared so effective that the researchers concluded that all patients should have access to it. Some doctors have previously reported case studies where anti-seizure medicines like carbamazepine seemed to improve Alzheimer's patients' symptoms.
Doctors normally use the medicines to treat agitation found in epilepsy patients.
Agitation is one of many symptoms that patients with Alzheimer's and other dementias develop as their brain cells get sick and die. The patients' memory and comprehension deteriorate, they become confused and disoriented, and ordinary tasks become impossible. Six years ago, there was nothing to treat Alzheimer's disease. Now, we have two FDA-approved drugs and as many as a dozen more coming out within five years. We're even talking about prevention strategies.