ALZHEIMER'S DRUG OFFERS HOPE TO SOME PATIENTS

A new drug that might help some patients of Alzheimer's disease is available to the four million Americans who suffer from this incurable brain disease.

"Before we had nothing," said Stuart Roth, chairman of the national Alzheimer's Association. "Now we have an FDA-approved drug treatment that will provide symptomatic help for some patients with mild or moderate Alzheimer's disease. That potentially enhances their quality of life and helps relieve the stress of their family caregivers."

The drug, Tacrine, also called THA, is being marketed under the brand name Cognex. It does not cure Alzheimer's disease, and research shows it benefits only some patients.

"Patients and caregivers are really the best judges of whether the drug benefits them, and the value of any improvements they see," said Roth. "If the drug only slightly improves a patient's attention or self-confidence, they might consider that a valuable benefit."

Cape Girardeau Neurologist Steven Mellies participated in a study of the drug before FDA approval.

Actually, the drug company undertook two different types of studies. One was a strictly scientific study in a university setting. The other study, the one in which Mellies was involved, was more subjective.

"We monitored the patients and asked the family and patients what changes they saw," Mellies said.

Another key component of the study was the affect of the drug on liver functioning. As the dosage was gradually increased, doctors kept close watch on patient's liver enzymes.

Mellies said his results weren't overly impressive. "In a couple patients I saw some improvement. In one I saw quite a difference."

The cost of the drug would have to be balanced against the effectiveness of the treatment for each patient.

Mellies said research into Alzheimer's Disease will continue. "It is a major disease and it is a widespread disease. Plus, we all get older, so do our chances of developing Alzheimer's increase."

"There is still a lot about Alzheimer's Disease that is not known," he said.

One big question researchers are struggling with is what triggers the onset of Alzheimer's Disease. Also they are looking to explain why some people develop the disease and others don't.

"We do know your likelihood of developing Alzheimer's increases with age," Mellies said. "Not many 50 year olds have it. A few 60 year olds have it. Many more 70 and 80 year olds have it."