Exelon: Improved Treatment for Alzheimer's by a Transdermal Patch

In the United States, approximately 4.5 million Americans have the debilitating Alzheimer's disease (Worldwide affecting approximately 15 million people) and expected to reach 14 million by 2050, as the population gets older. The disease is progressive brain disorder, causes brain cells to be destroyed or die over a period time: Memory loss, inability to reason, learn, make judgments, communicate and perform daily activities. Also, symptoms include change in personality, behavior, agitation, delusions or hallucinations. Eventually, the person will need constant supervision and care, including help with eating and toileting. The loss of brain function itself will eventually cause death.

Currently, drugs are available to treat the symptoms of Alzheimer's, but there is no cure. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation received Food and Drug Administration approval (April 2000) for the sale of Exelon to treat mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. (Also, treats Parkinson's disease dementia) The drug inhibits the breakdown of a brain chemical called acetylcholine (cholinesterase inhibitors), which is vital link for nerve cells to communicate with each other or call upon the brain to recall memories. Other cholinesterace medications include Aricept (donepezil) and Reminyl (galantamine). Exelon administered by capsules and oral solution. Sometimes Alzheimer's patients have a difficult time swallowing the pills. Exelon can cause side effects: Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss, weakness or lack of energy, dizziness, diarrhea, headaches, and stomach pain.