In general, the drug inhibits the breakdown of acetylcholine. This is a chemical in the brain that is important for thinking and learning and memory. This compound was the first neurotransmitter to be identified and is one of many found in the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and the somatic nervous system (SNS).
Novartis says that Alzheimer's affects 18 million people worldwide and is the third leading cause of death behind cardiovascular disease and cancer. This figure is expected to grow to more than 106 million by the year 2050. Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, irreversible brain disorder with no known cause or cure. It attacks and slowly kills the minds of its victims. Memory loss, confusion, impaired judgment, personality changes, disorientation, and loss of language skills are some of its symptoms. It is always fatal and is the most common form of irreversible dementia to date.
As the relative of an Alzheimer's patient, I am going to get my family together to discuss this option. I have an aunt with this awful disease, and it kills me to hear her ask the same questions over and over or to call me by my deceased mother's name. She asks where my grandma is. My grandma, who is her sister, passed away 17 years ago. But they were so tight, so I can understand why she goes back to that time period a lot. This new patch gives new hope to our family and to others who are going through the same trials.
