Galantamine Provides a Natural Remedy In The Treatment Of Alzheimers

It's not often that we recommend a treatment that is available on prescription only. However, it's not often that we come across a natural remedy that is recommended by doctors despite the fact it's not a synthetic drug.

Galantamine is one such exception to the rule. It is a plant extract derived from an unlikely source - the common snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis), which produces pretty, small white flowers that flourish across much of the countryside and gardens alike.

This unassuming plant offers more than aesthetic value alone; the concentration of galantamine it contains is now a recognised treatment for established dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

Pharmaceutical companies have marketed galantamine as a drug that can only be obtained on prescription, which gives them a monopoly on this substance and restricts its availability through other sources as a nutritional supplement. The medical establishment is happy that galantamine has achieved 'drug status', as it recognises the importance of this essential plant extract. Numerous studies have found galantamine to be effective in treating age-related memory loss and cognitive decline.

What causes progressive memory loss?

Glantamine helps to prevent cognitive decline and the deterioration of memory by enhancing the supply of an essential neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. This chemical messenger helps brain cells communicate with each other more efficiently - it is involved in the areas of your brain which control learning and memory. In order for acetylcholine to function properly, it must bind to special sites on each of your brain cells called nicotinic receptors.

When acetylcholine binds to a nicotinic receptor, it activates a series of chemical events, leading to the storage or retrieval of a particular memory. If this process is disrupted for any reason, it has an adverse affect on your memory. Reduced amounts of acetylcholine can result in forgetfulness, confusion and an inability to retain new information. It is this reduction of acetylcholine activity that is found in Alzheimer's patients.

This can occur as a result of free radical damage, the ageing process or drugs that block acetylcholine, such as Ibrapropium for asthma and Atropine for eye infections. Acetylcholine can also be broken down by a naturally-occurring enzyme, called acetylcholinesterase (Acta Neurol Scand Suppl 2002;178:15-18).

Galantamine exerts a powerful triple action to protect your memory

Galantamine works in three main ways. Firstly, it encourages acetycholine to bind to the nicotinic receptors. Secondly, it inhibits the action of acetylcholinesterase, thereby preventing the breakdown of acetycholine (CNS Drugs Rev 2002;8(4):405-426).

The result is a steady supply of acetycholine which attaches easily and effortlessly to the nicotinic receptors that facilitate the entire memory process (I Neural Transm Suppl 2002;(62):203-216).

Thirdly, galantamine appears to possess a remarkable ability to help keep brain cells healthy and intact. Brain cells die off in increasing numbers as a normal part of the ageing process and also during the early stages of dementia. Italian scientists have found that galantamine has the ability to prevent this from happening, although precisely how it exerts this action is still not known (Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 2002;99(19):12432-12437).

Studies attest to galantamine's memory-boosting benefits

In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, led by Dr A Kurz from the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Munich, galantamine was given to Alzheimer's patients for six months. The researchers found that it was effective in improving memory, learning, mental well-being and behaviour (Acta Neurol Scand Suppl 2002;178:19-24).

A study carried out at the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, revealed that galantamine helps stimulate the flow of minute electrical currents within the brain cells, which promotes significant improvements in memory. This action has been found to be largely dose-dependant, meaning that the more galantamine is given, the more apparent its memory boosting benefits become (Neurosci Lett 2003;336(1):37-40).

Research conducted in Finland suggests that galantamine is particularly effective in improving disturbed behaviour in Alzheimer's patients, such as agitation, confusion and mood swings (I Neurol Sci 2002; 203-204(C):125-130).

It's hardly surprising, given all the evidence, that a group of Canadian doctors have recommended that galantamine should be given to all patients who have mild-to-moderate dementia as a first-line treatment of choice (Can J Neurol Sci 2002;29(4):306-314).

How Doctors Evaluate Memory Problems

If you're worried about your memory and seem to be increasingly forgetting things on a regular basis, then it's important to see your doctor. The two main tests doctors use to evaluate memory are:

The Mini Mental State Evaluation (MMSE) test. This consists of a series of questions and mental tasks -- such as stating the date, month or year, and counting backwards.

Another tool is the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale (ADAS) which evaluates the ability of the patient to remember, think clearly and learn simple tasks.

If your doctor prescribes treatment with galantamine, then he will probably start you off on a low dose and then increase the amount according to how well you respond to the treatment. The fact that the dosage often needs to be built up gradually means it's important that your doctor closely monitors your treatment.

Galantamine is non-toxic and side effects are rarely reported following its use. However, those who have severe liver or kidney disease should avoid galantamine. This is because it is eliminated from the liver and kidneys and it may therefore worsen the patient's symptoms.