Current Drugs Used: Classification and Pharmacology

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is defined as a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that is characterized by cognitive dysfunction, dementia, and behavioral abnormalities, significantly impacting patients’ families, both psychologically and economically. Current pharmaceutical treatments focus on symptom management rather than curing the disease, primarily using N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists and cholinesterase inhibitors. Cholinesterase inhibitors, such as donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine, enhance cholinergic neurotransmission to improve cognitive performance and slow AD progression. Memantine, an NMDA receptor antagonist, regulates glutamatergic transmission to prevent neuronal damage and is often used for moderate to severe AD alone or with cholinesterase inhibitors. Emerging therapies targeting amyloid beta plaques, tau tangles, and neuroinflammation are under investigation but are not yet standard practice. The focus remains on symptomatic relief, underscoring the need for disease-modifying therapies. Future research aims to explore AD pathogenesis and develop interventions that can alter the disease course, driven by advances in understanding AD biology and innovative pharmacological strategies.