Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp., manufacturer of the patch said it infuses the drug Exelon through the patients' skin. The company is currently seeking approval from the US Food and Drug Administration so the patch will be available in the counters before the year ends.
Dr. Bengt Winblad, who led the research told the AP, "It would be good to have an alternative to oral medication. It's a useful approach, a new treatment strategy that would be very appreciated not only by the patients, but the caregivers."
An estimated 4.5 million Americans are suffering from the slow brain degeneration disease. Experts say the number could reach 14 million by 2050 because of the aging population.
Alzheimers robs those afflicted their memories and ability to take care for themselves and eventually die from it.
To date, there is no know cure for the disease except for temporary treatment of the symptoms. Exelon is the most promising because it breaks down the brain chemical called acetylcholine which is key for nerve cells to communicate with each other.
However, it is difficult for sufferers to swallow Exelon and the drug can cause nausea and vomiting.
The patch sends Exelon straight into the bloodstream and has fewer side effects.
