Millions of men and women are living with Alzheimer's. This debilitating disease has serious repercussions, ranging from memory loss to mood swings, and a lack of independence. Since there is not yet a cure for the degenerative brain disease, research and treatment options have become especially important. On the treatment front, there may be some good news. The FDA (the Food and Drug Administration in the United States of America) has just approved a pill that is thought to treat the progression and symptoms of Alzheimer's disease better than other drug therapies.
So, what is this new pill? And how will it affect the lives of Alzheimer's patients? In the past, the drugs memantine hydrochloride and donepezil hydrochloride were used separately to help Alzheimer's patients live fuller lives. Each pill would be taken by the patient in separate doses. The newly approved FDA pill will literally combine memantine hydrochloride and donepezil hydrochloride into one. That doesn't just mean one less pill that patients will need to take. It may also improve their overall levels of cognitive function.
The companies responsible for this new pill, Actavis and Adamas, collected data that showed improvements in cognitive function when the drugs were taken together rather than separately. This could lead to a slower progression of Alzheimer's disease and even improved memory function for patients. That would dramatically affect the lives and well being of men and women all over the world. What is the name of this new combination drug? It will be called Namzaric. The drug companies plan to release the drug in two strengths, making it possible for those with moderate and severe symptoms to benefit from the drug therapy.
"Namzaric combines, in one capsule, two complementary therapeutic agents often co-prescribed," said David Nicholson of Actavis in a statement. He went on to say that both drugs have been proven to be safe and effective, and that "data has shown combination therapy demonstrated greater improvement in cognition and global function versus (taking the pills) alone." The combination pill will be available for patients sometime in 2015. It will come in a standard pill form as well as a powder form for those who have difficulty swallowing medication.
There is no doubt that the promise of this combination drug is exciting for Alzheimer's patients and those searching for a cure. By combining the two drugs, existing drug therapy treatments can be improved - and so can the quality of life for those currently living with the disease. If the data surrounding the combination pill is accurate, the drug could positively impact cognitive function, thereby adding additional months or even years of independent living to those with Alzheimer's. When combined with new advances in our understanding of the disease, it seems a breakthrough may finally be on the horizon.
Namzaric is not the be all end all of Alzheimer's treatment. However, it is certainly a step in the right direction. With the impending release of this combination drug therapy, more and more patients will be able to live fuller lives. The fight against Alzheimer's disease may not be over but between drug therapies and continued research, one thing is clear: no one is bowing out without a fight.
Are you looking for more information about aging and memory loss? Contact the Age Matters Clinic at: 647-268-0620. We understand how to improve the life of Alzheimer's and memory loss patients.
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