Alzheimer’s Disease: Overview and Treatment Options Jillian Blair Thomas, Pharm.D. Candidate 2013 Michael W. Frye, Pharm.D. Candidate 2013 Bernie R. Olin, Pharm.D., Associate Clinical Professor and Director Drug Information Center Auburn University, Harrison School of Pharmacy Universal Activity #: 0178-0000-12-114-H04-P | 1.5 credit hours (.15 CEUs) | Expires Dec. 12, 2015 Alabama Pharmacy Association | 334.271.4222 | www.aparx.org |
[email protected] Introduction toxicity. The rate of progression of dementia may be slowed by controlling hypertension. Diabetes Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most may increase the risk of dementia through common cause of dementia in the United States multiple mechanisms. Glucose metabolites may affecting an estimated 5.4 million people, with have a toxic effect on the brain, specifically over 60% of those diagnosed being women. structures of the hippocampus, and vasculature. Worldwide, an estimated 24.3 million, possibly Insulin itself may increase the risk of AD due to as many as 35 million, people have been disturbances in insulin signaling pathways 1-6 diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. It is peripherally and in the brain.2,5 Insulin may also estimated that by the year 2050 between 13 and have a role in the regulation of metabolism of Aβ 2, 3 16 million Americans will be affected by AD. and tau protein.2 Alzheimer’s disease is more prevalent in African Dominantly inherited forms of AD 1 Americans and Hispanics than in whites. The account for only a small percentage of cases; majority of patients with AD are 65 years or however, there is a definite genetic link.1,2,5 older at the time of diagnosis, but about 5% of There is a high familial occurrence of AD linked patients diagnosed with AD are under the age of to autosomal dominant traits on chromosomes 65.