There is no standard drug dementia treatment for vascular dementia (multi-infarct dementia is the most common form of this dementia), although some of the symptoms, such as depression, can be treated. Other vascular dementia treatments aim to reduce the risk factors for further brain damage. However, some studies have found that cholinesterase inhibitors, such as galantamine and other Alzheimer's disease drugs, can improve cognitive function and behavioral symptoms in patients with early vascular dementia.
Doctors also sometimes prescribe aspirin, warfarin, or other drugs to prevent clots from forming in small blood vessels. When patients have blockages in blood vessels, doctors may recommend surgical procedures, such as carotid endarterectomy, stenting, or angioplasty, to restore the normal blood supply. Healthcare providers may also prescribe medications to relieve restlessness or depression or to help people with vascular dementia sleep better.
Other Dementia Treatment Options
Some studies have suggested that cholinesterase inhibitors, such as donepezil (Aricept), can reduce behavioral symptoms in some people with dementia associated with Parkinson's disease.
At present, there are no medications that are approved specifically for frontotemporal dementia treatment and most other types of progressive dementia. However, sedatives, antidepressants, and other medications may be useful in treating specific symptoms and behavioral problems associated with these forms of dementia.
Scientists continue to search for specific dementia treatments to help people with Lewy body dementia. Current Lewy body dementia treatment is symptomatic, often involving the use of medication to control the parkinsonian and psychiatric symptoms. Although antiparkinsonian medication may help reduce tremor and loss of muscle movement, it may worsen symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions. Also, drugs prescribed for psychiatric symptoms may make movement problems worse. Several studies have suggested that cholinesterase inhibitors may be able to improve cognitive function and behavioral symptoms in patients with Lewy body disease.
There is no known dementia treatment that can cure or control Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Current treatment is aimed at alleviating symptoms and making the patient as comfortable as possible. Opiate drugs can help relieve pain, and the drugs clonazepam and sodium valproate may help relieve myoclonus. During later stages of the disease, Creutzfeldt-Jakob dementia treatment focuses on supportive care, such as administering intravenous fluids and changing the person's position frequently to prevent bedsores.
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