Title:Current Treatment Options for Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease Dementia
Volume: 14
Issue: 4
Author(s): Jennifer Y.Y. Szeto and Simon J.G. Lewis
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Alzheimer’s disease, cognition, dementia, mild cognitive impairment, non-pharmacological treatment, Parkinson’s
disease, pharmacological treatment.
Abstract: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) are the two most
common neurodegenerative disorders encountered in clinical practice. Whilst
dementia has long been synonymous with AD, it is becoming more widely accepted
as part of the clinical spectrum in PD (PDD). Neuropsychiatric complications,
including psychosis, mood and anxiety disorders, and sleep disorders also frequently
co-exist with cognitive dysfunctions in AD and PDD patients. The incidence of such
symptoms is often a significant source of disability, and may aggravate pre-existing
cognitive deficits. Management of AD and PDD involves both pharmacological and non-pharmacological
measures. Although research on pharmacological therapies for AD and PDD has so far had some success in terms of
developing symptomatic treatments, the benefits are often marginal and non-sustained. These shortcomings have led to
the investigation of non-pharmacological and novel treatments for both AD and PD. Furthermore, in light of the diverse
constellation of other neuropsychiatric, physical, and behavioural symptoms that often occur in AD and PD, consideration
needs to be given to the potential side effects of pharmacological treatments where improving one symptom may lead to
the worsening of another, rendering the clinical management of these patients challenging. Therefore, the present article
will critically review the evidence for both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments for cognitive impairment
in AD and PD patients. Treatment options for other concomitant neuropsychiatric and behavioural symptoms, as well as
novel treatment strategies will also be discussed.
