Findings discussed at this year’s 14th Congress of the European Federation of Neurological Societies (EFNS) have highlighted that memantine enhances language and communication skills in patients with moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a valuable contribution for patient independence and quality of life for both the patient and the family/caregivers.
The data of a pooled analysis of six large, randomised clinical studies support that Axura/Akatinol – an uncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonist – effects language skills in AD patients and improves cognitive abilities and functional communication. Leading neurologists emphasise that improvement of language and communication skills is a meaningful treatment target. Furthermore, 36% of caregivers consider communication to be the most troublesome aspect of AD.
Communication is much more than the mere exchange of information. Communication allows us to share ideas, express emotions, and send and receive messages. It’s a verbal or nonverbal way of relating to another, a representation of who we are as human beings, and a reflection of feelings and thoughts through words, attitude, facial expressions, tone of voice, and/or body language. Language impairment is one of the most troublesome manifestations of AD.
In AD, communication problems revolve around language issues. On the occasion of a Merz satellite symposium held at the EFNS new data has shown that impairments in language/communication can reduce patient independence and autonomy, in addition to compromising quality of life. Therefore, it is important that the treatment of language and communication problems is regarded as an integral part of AD management.
Axura/Akatinol has proven to be a safe and tolerable treatment option with a strong impact on functional communication in Alzheimer’s patients. Improved communication skills in AD patients may reduce stress for patients and caregivers and keep them longer connected.
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