Reminyl (galantamine), a new treatment for Alzheimer's disease was introduced across Europe by Janssen-Cilag. Clinical trials have shown that treatment with Reminyl produces significant and sustained benefits in cognition (memory, attention and decision making abilities), global function and delays the emergence of behavioural disturbances in Alzheimer's disease.

"The announcement of Reminyl's forthcoming availability offers new hope to patients and families affected by Alzheimer's disease," said Dr Pierre Tariot, Professor of Psychiatry, Medicine and Neurology at the University of Rochester Medical Center, New York. "For the first time, clinicians will be able to offer a treatment with proven benefits across all aspects of Alzheimer's disease, with the potential to improve the quality of life for both patients and their caregivers," he said.

Reminyl, originally derived from daffodil bulbs, has a dual mechanism of action, unlike other Alzheimer's treatments which are currently available. In addition to blocking the action of the acetylcholinesterase enzyme which breaks down acetylcholine (a shortage of acetylcholine is known to be related to the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease), laboratory research has shown that Reminyl also appears to act on the brain's nicotinic receptors.

The "modulation" of these receptors could lead to release of more acetylcholine and amplify cholinergic neurotransmission. The clinical significance of this finding is being investigated further by the Janssen Research Foundation.

Research has shown that Reminyl's benefits on cognition and activities of daily living, including patients' abilities to wash, feed and dress themselves, are sustained for at least one year. In addition, the trials showed that Reminyl can delay the emergence of debilitating behavioural disturbances associated with Alzheimer's disease, including agitation, aggression, delusions, hallucinations and lack of inhibition for at least five months.

In turn, Reminyl's impact on cognitive and behavioural symptoms may relieve caregiver burden, since research has shown a reduction in caregiver time spent assisting and supervising patients with everyday tasks by as much as one hour a day.