Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that is characterized by memory loss, cognitive decline and, possibly, functional disorders. The progression of the disease is considered by experts as a continuum and defined as a slight cognitive impairment in addition to the light, moderate and serious stages of dementia. The pathological process of the disease – which involves amyloid -bêta (amyloid -ß), a protein that accumulates in plates in the brain and the deposit of tau in the brain – can start about 10 to 20 years before signs observable or the appearance of symptoms.1
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For patients with Alzheimer’s disease, their health professionals can prescribe treatment to slow down their cognitive decline. These treatments work by undermining the biology of the disease process, targeting the amyloid -ß at different stages of the plaque formation. Other treatments indicated for light to moderate Alzheimer’s disease help reduce the degradation of acetylcholine and support communication between nerve cells. Although these drugs have shown effectiveness, some patients may need additional support to see the improvement of their symptoms or reductions in the progression of the disease.1,2
Some patients or their caregivers cannot observe a significant improvement in the symptoms of cognitive impairment, health care providers and pharmacists to make other recommendations for additional support. An option that can benefit patients is brain supplements. Prevailing (Quincy Bioscience)3 is a food supplement and the only product formulated with the APOAEQUORIN ingredient. In addition, it has been tested in clinical trials to be safe for patients and is the supplement of memory recommended by pharmacists, according to a Survey on pharmacy times on pharmacist’s SCR recommendations.1-3
Other supplements, in addition to the lean, include ginkgo biloba, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, curcumin, B vitamins and even probiotics.4.5 Although some trials on natural products have shown modest effects on the prevention of cognitive decline or dementia, experts note that additional research is necessary to confirm these results and collect additional evidence.4.5
In addition to the recommendations of supplements, pharmacists can also recommend or help patients in the following non -pharmacological changes1,2::
- A healthy lifestyle in the brain can help counter Alzheimer’s symptoms or cognitive decline (for example, stay physically and socially active, eat well, manage stress and challenge the brain)
- Cognitivo-behavioral therapy, which can support patients when they adapt to their diagnosis (as well as to symptoms of mental health that can worsen due to diagnosis) and future planning
- Music therapy, which can help the capacities of patients in communication, coordination, expression and socialization
- Memory and orientation-based exercises, such as art therapy, aromatherapy and contact with animals, which can help delay loss of mental capacity
- Nutritional interventions, including food adjustments (for example, intermittent fasting6), can help cognition and function
- Environmental changes can encourage creative solutions to symptoms of dementia and memory loss
- Training of caregivers for family members, who can help when they adapt to the diagnosis of their family and learn to help them
Because pharmacists are health professionals who frequently interact with patients, they can be essential in the detection of symptoms related to Alzheimer, as well as to educate and plead for new interventions. Pharmacists can serve as early detection and identification of mild cognitive disabilities or other symptoms (for example, changes in behavior, memory or mood) by interactions and can recommend that patients request additional care, Whether through diagnostic tests or meetings with memory specialists, neurologists, neurologists and primary care offices. In addition, because seeing these specialists can be difficult for patients, a pharmacist’s ability to detect such signs can be crucial for early intervention.1,2
In addition, pharmacists can also ensure that patients receive correct drugs and that there are no potential drug-drug interactions with their treatments and supplements. In addition, they can provide patients with advice on their drugs, potential adverse events (as well as the way of recognizing them) and responding to concerns as they arise.1,2
Pharmacists can also collaborate with other health professionals, specialists and insurers. In addition, they can help patients interpret the results of biomarkers tests and contact them with patients, making information to patients more accessible. They can provide patients with lifestyle adjustments1,2 and supplements4.5– as a discomfort3– and provide additional accessible resources to the two patients with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers.1,2