With approximately 4 million Americans suffering with Alzheimer's Disease at a cost of 70 to 90 billion dollars a year, finding a drug that helps to relieve some symptoms and delay the mental deterioration, is a top priority for researchers and pharmaceutical companies.
In September of 1993, the FDA approved the first drug for the treatment of Alzheimer's symptoms. Tacrine, or Cognex, is a drug that increases the amount of acetylcholine in the brain. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter which is important in the transmission of nerve impulses in the brain.
Studies have shown that it will improve the condition of a minority of patients.Through many clinical trials, Tacrine was reported to have slowed down the deterioration of memory.
Various side effects have been reported in patients taking Tacrine. The most serious one being a dangerous increase in liver enzymes. Other side effects such as vomiting and stomach upset have been reported. One report stated that a woman taking Tacrine developed lower intestinal problems which eventually required surgery.
If treated carefully, the average patient has a 10% to 20% chance of developing a potentially serious complication. Considering how devastating Alzheimer's is, the risks so far seem to be justified. Many labs at university medical centers and pharmaceutical companies are searching for a more effective and longer lasting drug.
Tacrine slows down the breakdown of acetylcholine allowing an increased amount to remain in the brain. Increased acetylcholine enables nerve cells to communicate better and in turn, relieve some of the memory impairment and other symptoms.
Click here to view a color graphic of the chemical structure of Tacrine.
Tacrine is only available by prescription. As with any drug, there are many factors to be considered before your doctor may prescribe it.
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