At this time, there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease, nor is there any way of slowing the progress of the disease. However, there are treatment options available that can minimize or stabilize patients’ symptoms, and in some cases delay the necessity of nursing home care.

A physician may prescribe medication for cognitive symptoms (e.g., memory loss, loss of language function). Some Alzheimer's medications are designed to maintain the levels of a brain chemical called acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter, which means that it carries electrical signals from one neuron to another. This chemical is essential for memory, judgment and learning. Medications that delay the breakdown of acetylcholine are called cholinesterase inhibitors. These medications may not be as effective among patients with advanced disease. Other Alzheimer's medications regulate the function of another neurotransmitter, glutamate, which is important for learning and memory. Studies have shown that these two medications — the cholinesterase inhibitors combined with glutamate receptor blockers — may be more effective than either medication used alone with severe disease.

It is thought that Alzheimer's disease may be caused or exacerbated by the presence of free radicals, a type of molecule that can damage cells and has been known to cause cancer and other medical conditions. Some physicians might recommend vitamin E, an antioxidant, used in combination with other antioxidants to reduce oxidative damage to the brain.

Behavioral or psychiatric symptoms may first be treated with methods other than medications. This usually includes identifying the potential trigger for the symptoms and attempting to resolve it. Many times this involves making adjustments to the environment that the patient lives in, for example simplifying the environment or increasing the time between stimulating events (e.g., bath-time, getting dressed). A few studies have also examined the use of aromatherapy to reduce agitation and dementia. Other possible interventions include massage therapy, exercise, and even pet therapy.

In addition to non-drug methods, a physician may recommend certain medications to control behavioral or psychiatric symptoms. It is important that these medications be used with caution because people with dementia are more likely to experience severe side effects than most people. Medications that may be prescribed for patients with behavioral or psychiatric symptoms include:

• Antidepressant medications to treat depression and low moods
  
  
• Anti-anxiety medications to treat anxiety or verbally disruptive behavior
  
  
• Antipsychotic medication to treat hallucinations, delusions or aggression
  
  
• Medications to treat sleep problems

In recent years, numerous complementary and alternative therapies and supplements have been promoted for Alzheimer’s disease and its symptoms. However, in most cases, these treatments have not been studied in clinical trials and have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use by Alzheimer's patients. Many alternative treatments are marketed as dietary supplements, which only have to prove they are safe. They are not tested for effectiveness in treating a disorder. Some alternative treatments include:

• Coenzyme Q10. An antioxidant that occurs naturally in the body and may help reduce the presence of free radicals.
  
  
• Ginkgo biloba. An herb that is claimed by some to improve memory. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) is conducting a long-term study on the use of ginkgo biloba in healthy elderly people to prevent the onset of dementia.
  
  
• Huperzine A. An herbal supplement that may function in a similar way as cholinesterase inhibitors.
  
  
• Phosphatidylserine. A type of lipid (fat) that may protect nerve cells from degenerating.
  
  
• Omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids are already known to be protective of the heart, and populations that consume large amounts of omega-3 fatty acids such as those found in fish oil appear to have a reduced incidence of Alzheimer's disease. However, clinical trials have not shown any affect on the course of the disease once symptoms have begun to show. Rather, it appears that omega-3 fatty acids might have a protective, long-term effect.

It is important to discuss the use of alternative treatment methods with a physician before they are started. Some alternative remedies could interact with prescribed medication or lead to more serious health complaints.