PHARMACOLOGICAL TREATMENT OF ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CHOLINESTERASE AND MEMANTINE INHIBITORS

• DOI: 10.22533/at.ed.15934123010610

• Palavras-chave: Pharmacological treatment; Alzheimer's disease; Cholinesterase Inhibitors; Memantine.

• Keywords: Pharmacological treatment; Alzheimer's disease; Cholinesterase Inhibitors; Memantine.

• Abstract:

  Introduction: Alzheimer's disease is a chronic neurodegenerative disease that affects millions of people worldwide, characterized by progressive memory loss and cognitive decline. Objective: to analyze and compare the effectiveness of different classes of drugs in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, specifically acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and memantine. Methodology: Several relevant scientific studies were selected for the review, including randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses and systematic reviews. The database used was MEDLINE (PubMed), with inclusion criteria that considered the methodological quality of the studies and the relevance of the results, using the keywords "Alzheimer's treatment", "Cholinesterase inhibitors" and "Memantine". Results: The reviewed scientific studies provide consistent evidence that acetylcholinesterase inhibitors provide significant improvements in cognitive and behavioral functions. Memantine, in turn, demonstrated benefits in improving cognitive and functional symptoms in patients with moderate to severe Alzheimer's and in advanced stages of the disease. Discontinuation of these medications can lead to a deterioration of symptoms and cognitive decline, emphasizing the importance of continuing treatment. Conclusion: Studies have shown that acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and memantine are effective treatments for Alzheimer's disease. However, more research is needed to improve therapeutic strategies and better understand their effectiveness in different stages of the disease and in different patients.