Treating Dementia: An Overview
When someone is diagnosed with
dementia, the healthcare provider will first look for treatable causes. For about 10 percent of conditions that cause dementia, treatment is available that can help reverse or at least slow down its progression. Some examples of these treatable
causes of dementia include:
For most cases, treatment does not exist to reverse or halt the disease's progression; however, this does not mean that nothing should be done. People with dementia can benefit to some extent from such things as medications and cognitive training. There are also options for the family to help them cope.
Although
Alzheimer's disease and certain other conditions are technically causes of dementia, they are also often referred to as
dementia types. Likewise, terms such as "vascular dementia" are often used to describe causes as well as types.
Medications Used to Treat Dementia
Medications to specifically treat
Alzheimer's disease and some other progressive dementias are now available and are prescribed for many people. Although these drugs do not halt the disease or reverse existing brain damage, they can improve symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease. These medications may:
- Improve the person's quality of life
- Ease the burden on caregivers (see Dementia Care)
- Delay admission to a nursing home.
