FDA Approves New Drug Treatment for Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's Association
Tuesday, 26 November 1996

Families Should Consult Physicians About Potential Benefits, Risks and Costs

Approval yesterday of a new drug treatment for Alzheimer's disease by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) shows that science is making real progress in developing therapies for symptomatic relief of the incurable brain disorder, according to the Alzheimer's Association.

"Intensive research on Alzheimer's disease began only about 20 years ago, yet today we already have a second drug treatment available," said Association president and CEO Edward Truschke. "Additional drugs are in the pipeline that, when approved in the next few years, will offer families and physicians a fairly broad range of choices in drug therapies for symptoms of the disease."

The FDA yesterday approved donepezil hydrochloride as a treatment for symptomatic relief for Alzheimer's disease. The only other Alzheimer drug, tacrine, was approved by the FDA in 1993. Neither of the two drugs will cure the disease.

"This is a very rich time for Alzheimer research," said Truschke. "In addition to this growing generation of drugs to provide relief of symptoms, we anticipate in the next few years the development of a second generation of drugs that will delay onset of the disease, allowing afflicted individuals to maintain their independence longer, possibly for years."

According to Truschke, affected individuals and their families should discuss the potential benefits, risks and costs of donepezil hydrochloride with their physicians before deciding whether to try it. The Alzheimer's Association does not endorse products.

In 1995, the Alzheimer's Association created its Ronald and Nancy Reagan Research Institute to speed discovery of effective treatments and even preventions for Alzheimer's disease. The Institute is forging alliances among universities, government and commercial partners to encourage development of more and better therapies for Alzheimer's disease.

The Alzheimer's Association is the largest national voluntary health organization dedicated to research for the causes, treatments, prevention and cure of Alzheimer's disease and to providing education and support services to the four million Americans with the disease, their families and caregivers. You can reach the Alzheimer's Association at (800) 272-3900.

For more information, or to contact Alzheimer's Association, see their website at: www.alz.org