Health Happenings

New Alzheimer's Drug 
Shows Promise and Risk

The FDA has approved a third medication to treat Alzheimer's disease. Exolon, produced by Novartis Pharmaceuticals, works by inhibiting the breakdown of acetylcholine, a brain chemical vital for communication between nerve cells. When the brain suffers a shortage of acetylcholine, as with Alzheimer's patients, brain cells fail to recall memories.

While the drug does appear to work to keep acetylcholine levels up, it does have significant side effects, including nausea and vomiting severe enough to cause weight loss.

Exolon should be available by the end of May.