Skin patch combats Alzheimer's

A skin patch designed to treat the symptomatic effects of mild to moderately severe Alzheimer's dementia is now available in the UK.

Claimed to be a first of its kind (1), the Exelon rivastigmine patch, is a once daily treatment absorbed through the skin that offers a novel alternative to oral medication.

A clinical study of 1,195 people with the disorder demonstrated that the rivastigmine patch improves cognitive function as well as a patient's ability to perform everyday activities compared to placebo(1). The study also showed that the 9.5mg/24h patch is as effective as the maximum titrated dose of rivastigmine oral capsules(1).

Applied once a day (replaced every 24 hours), the patch provides smooth and continuous delivery of rivastigmine through the skin, which reduces nausea and vomiting caused by peaks in medication levels when the drug is taken orally(2).

Dr Peter Connelly, a consultant in old age psychiatry in Perth, Scotland, said: "The Exelon patch represents a valuable advance in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. This formulation offers patients and their carers an effective, well-tolerated and convenient therapy option. I expect a significant proportion of carers will find the patch easier to use compared to the conventional formulation."

The rivastigmine patch can be applied to the upper arm, chest or back(4). The patch may allow those caring for Alzheimer's disease patients to monitor treatment compliance because it provides visual reassurance that the medication has been taken(3).

Exelon (rivastigmine) is recognised therapy for dementia(2). Since 1997, oral rivastigmine has been widely used to treat mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease in more than 70 countries.