Still, people do not, as a rule, die directly from the disease. The more usual direct causes of death are infections, physical disorders or accidents such as choking on food. Treatment and management Drug treatments are now available which can significantly affect cognitive symptoms in Alzheimer's disease. You should know that these drug treatments do not cause major improvements in patient cognition nor can they cure the disease or reverse its course. See your doctor for information about recent developments in drug therapies for Alzheimer's disease.
Specific treatments do exist for some problems which occur along with the disease.
Drug treatment may relieve symptoms of depression or anxiety or undue aggressiveness. Infections which worsen the Alzheimer's symptoms can often be cured. Keep in mind, too, that other conditions which do respond to treatment can look like Alzheimer's disease. Even without hope of a full cure, the care goal remains of ensuring the greatest possible safety and comfort for the Alzheimer's patient. For all of these reasons, your health care team needs to continue careful treatment of the patient.