Final answer:
To treat Alzheimer's disease, drugs are used that enhance the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, mainly by inhibiting the enzyme that breaks it down, which helps manage the symptoms of the disease.
Step-by-step explanation:
Drugs currently in use to treat Alzheimer's disease work primarily by enhancing the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. This enhancement is typically achieved by inhibiting the enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft, leading to increased levels of this neurotransmitter. Cholinergic neurons, which use acetylcholine, tend to have decreased activity in Alzheimer's, and increasing acetylcholine neurotransmission can help in managing symptoms of the disease. Although these medications can help manage symptoms, there is no cure for Alzheimer's. Research suggests that intellectual activity and the treatment of cardiovascular risk factors may also play a role in prevention.