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Some behaviors, such as agitation, wandering, and becoming restless and agitated in the early evening (called sundowning), do not always respond well to treatment with medicine. Figuring out what is causing the behavior and taking steps to manage or change it can sometimes be helpful. It may be worth trying this approach before resorting to medicine.

Development of new drugs

As research on the causes and progression of Alzheimer's disease continues, the search for effective medicines continues.

Researchers are studying many medicines, including those used for other conditions, as possible treatments for Alzheimer's disease. Some of the medicines may be available only to people who are enrolled in clinical trials. It may be some time before researchers know whether these medicines are effective in treating Alzheimer's disease. For more information on clinical trials, contact the Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral Center (ADEAR) by calling 1-800-438-4380 or by going online at www.alzheimers.org.

Research into a vaccine for Alzheimer's disease is ongoing.