Treatments for Dementia

Even if the doctor diagnoses an irreversible form of dementia, much can be done to treat the individual and help the family cope. A person with dementia should be under a doctor's care. The doctor can treat the person's physical and behavioral problems and answer questions that the person or family may have.

For some people in the early and middle stages of Alzheimer's disease, there are several drugs that may delay the worsening of some of the disease's symptoms. For people with multi-infarct or vascular dementia, doctors believe it is very important to try to prevent further strokes by reducing risk factors. This means controlling high blood pressure, monitoring and treating high blood cholesterol and diabetes, and not smoking.

Other kinds of medicines are used to help control behavioral symptoms of dementia such as sleeplessness, agitation, wandering, anxiety, and depression. Treating these symptoms often makes individuals more comfortable and makes their care easier for caregivers. Drugs used include antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anxiolytics.

Nondrug treatments include assuring that the person with dementia has a healthy diet, exercise, social activities, regular medical care, and a safe environment. Caregivers can learn useful methods to help cope with problem behaviors.