Galantamine can halt the progression of Alzheimer's disease

[maria angelica sassone]

Did You Know...

... that a remarkable flower extract called galantamine can halt the progression of Alzheimer's disease?

     Galantamine -- a natural memory aid extracted from the snowdrop flower, daffodil, spider lily, and other plants -- has been a first-line treatment for Alzheimer's disease (AD) for over a decade.  It was first approved for use in Europe in 2000, and received FDA approval in the United States under the trade name Reminyl in 2001.  It's now available in a non-prescription form under the name Galanta Mind^TM.

     A number of large, well-designed studies show galantamine to significantly improve cognitive and generalized functioning for AD patients.  In fact, it improved the daily activities for study participants to such an extent that it seriously reduced the need for caregiver assistance with those tasks.

Proven Benefits for Brain Functioning and Memory

This drug's pedigree is impressive and has stood the test of time.  In fact, it may even have mythical origins.  Some think that the memory enhancer used by the Greek hero Odysseus was none other than an herbal form of galantamine.  But whether or not it's the exact same drug used by Odysseus in Homer's epic tale from 3,200 years ago, the effectiveness of galantamine is undeniable.

     In a 2000 study done by researchers in New Zealand and published in Clinical Geriatrics, galantamine led to improved memory and brain functioning.  Patients demonstrated gains in cognition and in their ability to complete daily activities.

     What's more, behavioral disturbances and psychiatric symptoms were delayed.  And the effects of galantamine proved to last over the full 12 months of the study.  This research also indicated that galantamine can be used to effectively prevent the development of AD symptoms in those with a genetic predisposition.  AD-related symptoms improved by galantamine include:

Decreased capacity for thought Destruction of memory Reduced learning capabilities Disruption and deterioration of communication skills Loss of skills necessary for daily activities

     Galantamine can -- and almost always does -- improve the thinking skills and memories of AD patients, and slows down the loss of those abilities.  But its impact on very long-term mental abilities is uncertain, since research has not yet examined the effects of galantamine treatment beyond one year.

How It Works

Galantamine belongs to a class of Anti-Alzheimer's agents known as acetylcholineserase inhibitors or AChEIs.  AChEIs work by blocking acetylcholineserase, a chemical that reduces the amount of acetycholine in your brain.  Acetycholine is a neurotransmitter, and it's necessary for memory functioning.  By protecting the acetycholine in your brain, you are protecting your memory.

     Not only does galantamine protect your acetycholine, it may actually promote the production of new acetycholine.  The non-prescription supplement Galanta Mind^TM contains nutrients -- choline and vitamin B5 -- that are the precursor and cofactor to the production of acetycholine.  Choline lays the groundwork for the manufacturing of acetycholine, and vitamin B5 is involved in that process.  So both substances can help to maintain and restore memory and thought.

     Galantamine and other AChEIs are considered to be the most promising Anti-Alzheimer's compounds currently used for the treatment of AD.  As with most treatments, galantamine is most effective in the early stages of the disease.

In Their Own Words -- How Galantamine Changes Lives

Galantamine has shown broad, sustained efficacy in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease.  Message boards across the Internet are lighting up with personal anecdotes about its amazing effects.  One woman had this to say about her husband's experience with galantamine:

"My husband is 69 and has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's and dementia.  He had started [galantamine] about 2 weeks ago.  He is already showing signs of improvement.  He is able to read and comprehend what he reads.  He is able to follow along in a conversation again, and he gives good input into the conversation while it is going on.  We would recommend this medication to anyone who is thinking of using it."

 

     Anecdotal reports such as these do not necessarily indicate that these results are typical.  Individual results may vary.

     Galanta Mind^TM is available from various online retailers.