Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that
affects memory, thinking, and behavior. It is the most common cause of
dementia, a general term for a decline in cognitive function severe enough to
interfere with daily life. Symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease typically develop
slowly and worsen over time, eventually leading to the inability to
communicate, perform daily activities, or care for oneself. The exact cause of
Alzheimer’s disease is not fully understood, but it is believed to be a
combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Age is the
greatest risk factor for the disease, but it is not a normal part of aging.
There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but there are
medications and therapies that can help slow the progression of symptoms and
improve quality of life for people living with the disease. These include
cholinesterase inhibitors, which help to increase levels of a chemical called
acetylcholine, which is important for memory and thinking, and memantine which
is a NMDA receptor antagonist, used to moderate the excitotoxicity caused by
the abnormal functioning of the NMDA receptor in the brain of Alzheimer’s
patients.
How may Ketamine Help?
Ketamine is a drug that has been known to treat various
illnesses such as depression, pain, and anxiety. However, studies have shown
that it also has potential in treating Alzheimer's, a neurodegenerative disease
that affects the memory and thinking abilities of individuals. In this essay, I
will discuss how ketamine can help Alzheimer's patients.
The main symptom of Alzheimer's is the accumulation of a
protein called beta-amyloid. As this protein accumulates, it causes damage to
the brain cells resulting in memory loss and difficulty in thinking.
Researchers have found that ketamine blocks the production of beta-amyloid,
preventing the accumulation of the protein in the brain. By reducing the
buildup of beta-amyloid, ketamine can slow down the progression of Alzheimer's.
Secondly, ketamine has been found to improve cognitive
function in Alzheimer's patients. In a study conducted by the American
Association for Geriatric Psychiatry, patients who received ketamine showed an
improvement in their cognitive abilities. Specifically, their speed of processing
and attention span were enhanced. This suggests that ketamine can be used to
improve the cognitive function of Alzheimer's patients, allowing them to
continue to function independently for longer periods.
Thirdly, ketamine has been found to reduce inflammation
in the brain, which is also associated with Alzheimer's. Inflammation in the
brain can cause further damage to brain cells, leading to the progression of
the disease. Studies have shown that ketamine reduces inflammation in the
brain, hence slowing down the progression of the disease.
Fourthly, ketamine has been found to improve mood and
reduce anxiety in Alzheimer's patients. Alzheimer's patients often experience
depression and anxiety due to the degeneration of their brain cells. Ketamine
has been found to have an antidepressant effect, reducing depression and
anxiety in patients. This will improve the quality of life of Alzheimer's
patients, who often have limited access to effective treatments for depression
and anxiety.
Lastly, ketamine has been found to help in the formation
of new neurons in the brain. Alzheimer's patients often have a reduced number
of brain cells due to the degeneration of cells. Ketamine has been found to
stimulate the growth of new cells in the hippocampus, a brain region that is
essential in forming new memories. This means that ketamine has the potential
to help Alzheimer's patients recover their lost memory abilities.
Dosage
One of the most important factors to consider when using
ketamine on Alzheimer's patients is dosage. Dosage of ketamine is critical to
its efficacy and safety. Typically, a low dose of ketamine from 0.1 to 0.5
mg/kg has shown to produce positive results in Alzheimer's patients in studies.
The dosage should be adjusted based on the patient's response to the drug and
medical history. The maximum dose of ketamine should not exceed 2mg/kg, as
higher doses can lead to adverse side effects such as hallucinations, sedation,
and cardiac problems.
Several studies have reported that ketamine can improve
cognitive function and decrease behavioral and psychological symptoms in
Alzheimer's patients. However, the efficacy of ketamine in Alzheimer's
treatment remains unclear, and more research is needed to establish its
benefits fully. Furthermore, the long-term effects of ketamine use on
Alzheimer's patients remain unclear, and more studies are necessary.
One of the significant concerns when using ketamine for
Alzheimer's patients is its potential for abuse. Ketamine is a powerful drug
that is often used recreationally, and care should be taken to avoid its
misuse. It is essential to administer the drug under the guidance of a
qualified medical practitioner to prevent potential abuse.
Side Effects of Ketamine
Low dose administration of ketamine appears to be safe
and might be tried as a procognitive therapy in Alzheimer patients instead of
memantine. However, the risk/benefit considerations for treating Alzheimer
patients chronically are quite different than for preventing suicide acutely in
severely depressed patients. One needs to be convinced that the risk of side
effects is truly minimal. In the context of depression, research continues
actively on the best doses, duration, and methods of administration of
ketamine, and there are several promising leads to avoid side effects,
suggesting that ketamine metabolites may provide a safer means for treating
depressed patients—and by implication, a safer venue for testing procognitive
effects in Alzheimer patients.
Sources and Additional Information:
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnagi.2019.00186/full
https://encyclopedia.pub/entry/21147
https://tahoeketamine.com/ketamine-and-alzheimers-disease/
https://getheally.com/patients/news/can-ketamine-benefit-alzheimer
