Senile Dementia Treatments

Senile dementia mostly occurs in elderly people, with 10 percent of those over 65 having some degree of dementia. A person with dementia slowly loses brain function, memory and learning abilities. It can affect the way he communicates, and his personality might change completely. For most types of dementia, there is no cure. Treatments focus on managing side effects and slowing deterioration.

Underlying Causes

• Causes of senile dementia include Alzheimer's disease, atherosclerosis, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, alcoholism, brain tumors and stroke. The cause of the dementia determines the treatment. If there is an organic cause, such as a brain lesion, doctors will try to treat the cause. If that is successful, the dementia won't progress and might reverse. If there is no underlying cause, or one that isn't treatable, treatment includes counseling, medication, and environmental or lifestyle changes.

Medications

• Patients with senile dementia might receive medications to prevent strokes, slow progression, prevent hallucinations and to counter insomnia and depression. Paranoia and delusion can accompany dementia, and haloperidol, risperidone or clozapine can manage these disorders. Side effects include drowsiness, rapid heartbeat and dizziness, and usually lessen with time.

Environmental Changes

• A healthy diet and exercise can both slow the progression of dementia, especially a diet that includes all vitamins and minerals, antioxidants and essential fatty acids. For advanced cases, doctors recommend installing simple safety measures, such as setting the hot water heater at 120 degrees to avoid serious burns, installing bed railing and putting in safety gates at the tops of stairs. Patients and family members or caretakers are taught to help the patient break down complex tasks into smaller steps. The patient will learn strategies for coping with frustration during counseling.

Alternative Treatments

• Several herbs can help manage dementia. Gingko biloba is helpful to increase blood flow to the brain. It helps increase memory and delay full onset of dementia or Alzheimer's. Hawthorn and rosemary both stimulate circulation; rosemary also helps with depression. St. John's Wort can help with depression and anxiety, and lemon balm also reduces anxiety. Siberian ginseng is beneficial for endurance, energy and cerebral circulation.