FDA approves Alzheimer's drug

Journal Record, The (Oklahoma City), Oct 25, 2006 by Journal Record Staff

The Federal Drug Administration has approved Aricept to treat people with severe Alzheimer's disease.

Aricept was previously approved for the treatment of mild to moderate dementia of the Alzheimer's type. It now becomes the first product approved for the treatment of all degrees of severity of the disease.

"This is good news for people with severe or late stage Alzheimer's and their families," said Tonda Ames, vice president of marketing and programs for the Alzheimer's Association Oklahoma/ Arkansas Chapter.

"However, we need better therapies that slow or stop the progression of Alzheimer's disease, and that can be given early in the disease process," Ames said. "We need more funding for Alzheimer's disease research in order to improve early diagnosis, treatment and prevention."

When someone has late stage Alzheimer's, most clinicians agree that the focus of care and treatment should be on "quality of life."

"Not everyone will experience every symptom and symptoms may occur at different times in different individuals," Ames said. "People with Alzheimer's live an average of about eight years after diagnosis, but may survive anywhere from three to 20 years."