In studies in the general population the drug seems to have a protective effect and it is widely taken. They may produce adverse effects under certain conditions e.g., vitamin E may be associated with blood clotting problems in vitamin K deficient people. They can also relieve physical discomfort. The future A vaccine has shown promising results in specially bred mice, and trials are underway in humans in the UK and USA - and it is early days yet to predict how successful this will be. Methods to prevent Alzheimer's are still a long way off,. find out more, link to vaccine story but researchers are working on a number of different approaches to treating Alzheimer's disease, as interest in the area increases.
Investigations are presently underway to test new anticholinesterase cholinergic drugs.
A build-up of reactive molecules called free radicals may play a major role in Alzheimer's disease. Antioxidants neutralise free radicals and may help prevent or treat Alzheimer's. Oestrogen was first linked to Alzheimer's disease when it was noticed that post menopausal women undergoing hormone replacement therapy seemed less likely to develop the disorder. This is an observation rather than definitive proof, and treatment studies to date have been disappointing. It is an interesting and plausible treatment option, but longer term studies and further research in to understanding the interaction between oestrogen and the brain are needed - and ongoing.