How Is Dementia Treated?
Most causes of dementia cannot be cured, including the most frequent cause of dementia- Alzheimer’s disease. However, there are treatments available in Alzheimer’s disease to ameliorate its cognitive, functional, behavioural and psychological symptoms.
Two major classes of drug treat the cognitive and functional symptoms of AD:
- Cholinesterase inhibitors: donepezil, rivastigmine and galantamine are on the PBS for mild to moderate Alzheimer’s
- NMDA receptor antagonist, memantine is on the PBS for moderate Alzheimer’s
Behavioural and psychological symptoms are common in Alzheimer’s, particularly in its late stage. These include anxiety, aggression, agitation, and psychosis (hallucinations and delusions). These symptoms may be treated with neuroleptic or antipsychotic medications.
At Remember, we will offer the latest medications which have been shown to help. But that is not all we offer. Our treatment program is very much individualised, and also includes:
- Tailored exercise program
- Brain training exercises
- Dietary modification
- Attention to sleep, which is critical