The evolution of ideas about the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease: from the past to the present day

Abstract

Cognitive disorders are one of the most important manifestations of various cerebral pathologies. Among all the nosological forms that occur with the formation of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease is the most common. At various stages of historical development, scientists conducted numerous studies aimed at establishing effective means of its therapy. In ancient times, the emphasis was on the use of such means as baths, diets, wine, massage, mental training. In addition, various rites and rituals were practiced. A large role was given to the use of decoctions, tinctures based on medicinal plants, often with the addition of minerals and animal products. In the XIX century, physical care, being in a family environment, attempts to involve in everyday activities, restrictive measures became widespread. In the process of the development of sciences at the beginning of the XX century, pharmacological preparations began to be used. Initially, these were sedatives and diuretics based on bromine and iodine. Then vasodilating and other “vascular” means came into practice. As data on the pathogenesis of the disease accumulated, drugs that affect cholinergic transmission and other mediator systems were developed. There have also been attempts to use drugs with neurotrophic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. The most modern direction of therapy, taking into account the main pathobiochemical changes formed in the brain in Alzheimer’s disease, is an antiamyloid strategy aimed at modifying the course of the disease.