Dementia Cures

While no definitive cures exist for those suffering from dementia, this article discusses ways to slow down some of the more severe cases while touching on ways to prevent diagnoses.

Reversible Dementia

• Reasons for dementia may be small or great. It could simply be a deficiency in Vitamin B-12 or could be as severe as a brain tumor, which must be treated with surgery. What may cause memory loss? Frankly, a lot of things. Stress and depression may cause temporary forgetfulness, but will go away once the feelings are treated. Memory loss may be a side effect of medication or an infection. Those suffering from vascular dementia--dementia due to a series of strokes--will often be given medications to lower blood pressure or reduce high cholesterol.

Alzheimer's Disease

• Some types of dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease, are irreversible. However, there are still treatments out there that could possibly slow the progression of dementia. Doctors often prescribe Aricept, Cognex, Reminyl, or Exelon, drugs that aim to delay symptoms of the illness, while Namenda can be used to slow the late stages of the disease. It is also likely that patients may receive medication for anxiety or depression. It is important, especially in the early to middle stages, for patients to continue on with life as normally as possible. They should remain involved with their daily lives.

Warning

• For those yet to be diagnosed with dementia, there are steps that can be taken to prevent the disease. Keeping the mind and body sharp is important. Developing hobbies and exercises that stimulate the mind and body may go a long way as people age. Heavy drinkers beware: Guzzling large amounts of alcohol over time can lead to brain damage. Make to-do lists, calendars--anything that may help stimulate the mind. It will prove vital in the years to come.