FDA Approves New Drug to Treat Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's Association
Friday, 21 April 2000

Today, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new drug treatment, rivastigmine (Exelon), for Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's is a devastating disease that affects more than four million Americans, and that number could increase to more than 14 million by the time the "Baby Boomer" generation reaches the age of highest risk, according to the Alzheimer's Association.

"Just a few years ago, people with Alzheimer's disease and their families had very few options. Today, we look to the future optimistically, as research progresses and more treatment options become available," says Bill Thies, Ph.D., Alzheimer's Association vice president, medical and scientific affairs. "Each of the approved drugs for Alzheimer's disease may have different side effects on individual people taking the medication. Having more approved drugs offers doctors, people with the disease and their families a greater opportunity to find one that will have some benefit with the fewest unwanted effects."

The FDA approved rivastigmine as a treatment for symptomatic relief for Alzheimer's disease. Rivastigmine helps to increase levels of active acetylcholine – a neurotransmitter that is deficient in individuals with Alzheimer's disease – by blocking two enzymes that break it down. Currently, tacrine (Cognex) and donepezil (Aricept) are the only other drugs that have been approved by the FDA for treatment of Alzheimer's disease; however, none of these drugs will cure the disease.

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

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.

The Alzheimer's Association has assumed leadership of the world's largest international conference on Alzheimer's disease, World Alzheimer Congress 2000 (Alzheimer 2000). Over a 10-day span, world leaders in Alzheimer research and care will unite in July 2000, marking the first time these Alzheimer specialists have come together for the vital purpose of sharing information on research and care to improve the lives of people affected by Alzheimer's disease. This unique gathering of scientists, healthcare professionals and other specialists is the collaborative effort of the Alzheimer's Association (U.S.A.), Alzheimer's Disease International, and Alzheimer Society of Canada.

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