It is being called a Silent Epidemic among African-Americans. Alzheimer's disease (AB), a progressive brain disorder affecting approximately 4.5 million Americans nationwide, is reported to be two to three times more common in African-Americans than in Caucasians. Over the next 30 years, the number of African-Americans entering the age of risk (65+) will more than double to 6.9 million.
African-Americans also tend to be diagnosed at later stages of the disease, when cognitive function, such as learning and memory, has already substantially declined. Although there is no cure for AD, there is evidence that an approved Alzheimer's treatment can benefit African-Americans with mild to moderate AD. A recent open-label study of 126 African-American patients with mild to moderate AD, who were evaluated over 12 weeks, found that those treated with the prescription medication Aricept (donepezil HCl tablets) showed significant improvements in learning and memory.
"These findings are important because they suggest the benefits of treatment in African-American patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease," said Patrick Griffith, M.D., professor of clinical medicine (Neurology) at Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, who was the study's lead investigator. "Older African-Americans, caregivers and their physicians should watch for early signs of Alzheimer's disease symptoms, such as memory loss, and intervene with treatment."
Dr. Griffith says if a person repeats himself/herself, has trouble with short-term memory, forgets family occasions and appointments, needs help performing everyday activities, has become suspicious and has trouble finding the right words, your loved one could have symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.
Once-a-day prescription Aricept is indicated for mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. Aricept is well-tolerated, but some people may experience side effects. In studies, these side effects were usually mild and went away over time. People at risk for stomach ulcers or who take certain other medicines should tell their doctor because serious stomach problems, such as bleeding, may get worse. Some people who take Aricept may experience fainting.
For full Aricept prescribing information, please call (888) 999-9616 or visit www.aricept.com. Sponsored by Eisai and Pfizer.
COPYRIGHT 2005 Johnson Publishing Co.
COPYRIGHT 2005 Gale Group
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