Nothing has been proven to prevent Alzheimer's disease.  One study showed that either Vitamin E or a prescription drug, selegiline, slow the progression of Alzheimer's.  Another medication, donepezil (Aricept®), has been shown to improve cognitive functioning in Alzheimer's.  How much improvement these medications can create, however, may be small.

Some researchers believe that these medication may   slow down the progression of mild cognitive problems to more severe problems.  This has not been proven, however, but is being researched.  

Where can I find more information?

The Agency for Health Care Policy and Research, a federal government agency within the Public Health Service, published a guide on how to recognize early Alzheimer's disease.  It has substantially more information about how Alzheimer's should be evaluated.  Click here.

The American Geriatrics Society also has a web site devoted to information about Alzheimer's.  Click here.

The Alzheimer's Association has excellent resources on the disease and problems of caregivers.  Click here.

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