Unfortunately for the more than 15 million people worldwide who have Alzheimer's disease, the answer at the moment is, No. There currently is no treatment that can substantially reverse the progressive loss of memory and cognitive function that come with this disease. And ongoing research holds out the possibility of new therapies that may prevent, better treat, and ultimately reverse the damage caused by Alzheimer's disease. Several studies of an extract of Ginkgo biloba , a subtropical tree, have suggested that this substance may also modestly improve cognitive function in those with Alzheimer's disease.
Vitamin E is generally safe, but selegiline has many potentially dangerous drug interactions.
Both drugs seem to delay the progress of the disease by only 20-30 weeks, at best. A variety of medications and nondrug therapies are available to treat the depression, delusions, and disruptive behavior that sometimes accompany Alzheimer's disease. And, although early trials of estrogen as a treatment of Alzheimer's disease have been disappointing, researchers are studying several promising prospects for treating and preventing the disease. These include a vaccine that may prevent the changes in the brain that cause Alzheimer's disease. But, until these prospects become safe options, people with Alzheimer's disease should seek available therapies from clinicians experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease.