The five Alzheimer's drugs that are currently available "treat the symptoms of the disease, such as memory problems and mental confusion," but "do not cure, halt, or even slow the disease process."

This year "was supposed to herald the arrival of the first disease-modifying drug. ... Instead, it's been marked by two failed clinical trials." Medical investigators, however, remain optimistic. A top researcher in the field, Paul Aisen, M.D., of the University of California-San Diego, said, "We have a long way to go. However, I have no doubt we are making progress, and that major advances can be expected in the next few years."

Dr. Aisen added that "[t]he setbacks have not convinced scientists that the disease is incurable," and "[d]ozens of...experimental medications are in the pipeline."

Related Links:

- "Drugs to reverse Alzheimer’s disease prove elusive," Shari Roan, Los Angeles Times, July 28, 2008.