Final answer:
Alzheimer's disease treatments focus on symptom management with cholinesterase inhibitors and behavioral therapies. Lifestyle changes and intellectual engagement may reduce risk or delay onset. Although no cure exists, early detection and understanding of the disease's pathology are crucial for future therapeutic development.
Step-by-step explanation:
Current treatments for Alzheimer's disease aim to manage symptoms rather than cure the disease. The decreased activity of cholinergic neurons is a hallmark of Alzheimer's and several medications target this by increasing acetylcholine neurotransmission. Cholinesterase inhibitors, such as Aricept, work by inhibiting the enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft, which may improve neural function temporarily.
Behavioral therapies, including psychotherapy, sensory therapy, and cognitive exercises, are also used to manage symptoms. Lifestyle factors, such as smoking, obesity, and cardiovascular health, may influence the risk of developing Alzheimer's, so managing these conditions could potentially serve as preventative measures. Engaging in intellectually stimulating activities is associated with a reduced risk of Alzheimer's.
While there is currently no way to restore lost memories or reverse cognitive decline, advancements in early detection methods, such as blood tests for alpha-beta molecules, offer hope for future therapies that can better manage or prevent the disease.
The disease was named after Alois Alzheimer, a German psychiatrist who identified the presence of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain of a dementia patient. These abnormalities, alongside a reduction in brain volume and loss of neurons in the hippocampus, are characteristic of Alzheimer's pathology.