艾斯能透皮贴剂治疗阿尔茨海默病获FDA批准

艾斯能（Exelon）贴剂已通过美国FDA批准，成为第一个用于治疗轻中度阿尔茨海默病(AD)的透皮贴剂。 FDA以往已批准该产品用于治疗轻中度帕金森病痴呆(PDD），它累及20%帕金森病患者。 艾斯能透皮贴剂药物成分为胆碱酯酶抑制剂利凡斯的明，贴在患者背部、胸部或上臂，其稳态血药浓度可维持24小时。 一项纳入了近1200例轻中度AD患者的临床试验表明，艾斯能贴剂能改善AD患者的记忆力、日常事务处理能力及整体功能。 胆碱酯酶抑制剂常引起胃肠道副作用，使得有些患者因此无法口服用药。透皮贴剂为更广大的患者所接受，也将使更多的患者受益。

Exelon Treatment Depression

According to statistics compiled by the Mayo Clinic, up to 40 percent of those who suffer from Alzheimer's disease also experience symptoms of depression. It can sometimes be difficult for physicians to distinguish between the two conditions. Exelon is a prescription medication used to treat symptoms that can accompany Alzheimer's, one of which is depression.

Alzheimer's Disease and Depression

Individuals who suffer from mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease may be prone to social withdrawal, memory problems, impaired concentration, excessive sleep and loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable. People with depression can experience many of the same symptoms. And while chemical imbalances in the brain are, more often than not, the cause of these symptoms, Alzheimer's is a condition brought about by the aging process in the body and the brain.

Causes of Alzheimer's Disease

The most debilitating aspects of Alzheimer's disease include memory lossimpaired reasoning, dementia and depression. These symptoms are a result of chemical imbalances within the brain. The affected chemicals areknownasneurotransmitters. And while neurotransmitter activity works to provide the needed levels of each chemical for normal functioning, chemical levels can still be thrown off balance when available brain cells begin to die off. This is what happens in Alzheimer's disease.

Exelon Treatment

Exelon--also known as rivastigmine--treats Alzheimer's symptoms by helping to increase acetylcholine levels within the brain. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter produced by certain brain cells. In the case of Alzheimer's, specific brain cells begin to deteriorate at an abnormal rate, which is what causes the symptoms of depression, memory loss and dementia so many experience. Exelon isn't a cure, but it does protect the levels of acetylcholine that are already present in the brain.

How Exelon Works

Exelon is classified as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor: It prevents the chemical responsible for breaking down acetylcholine (called acetylcholinesterase, a neurotransmitter) from being produced. The drug doesn't prevent further deterioration of cells affected by Alzheimer's, but it does help to reduce the symptoms experienced as result of low acetylcholine levels.

Dosages and Side Effects

Exelon is one of a number of medications used to treat Alzheimer's disease. It comes in capsules, in tablets and as an oral solution. Initial doses range from 1.5 to 2.0 milligrams daily for 2 weeks. The dosage amount is then increased to 3.0 to 6.0 milligrams, twice a day, depending on how a person responds to the drug. Possible side effects include nausea and vomiting. When side effects occur, the primary physician may advise skipping a few doses for a while, then resuming regular dosage levels.