Treatments for Dementia and the Drug Vistide

Dementia involves an array of symptoms that cause disruptions in mental abilities such as memory loss, confusion, or personality changes. Vistide, a drug used to treat cytomegalovirus retinitis in patients with AIDS, lists dementia as one of its common side effects.

Underlying Issues

• The best way to treat dementia is to treat the underlying causes of the disorder. For example, medications can help control high blood pressure or cholesterol in order to prevent a stroke.

Cholinesterase Inhibitors

• These drugs, such as Aricept and Exelon, boost the amount of a chemical messenger that helps with judgment and memory.

Sedatives and Antidepressants

• Aiming to treat behavioral problems and specific symptoms, sedatives and antidepressants are used to help the patient feel better about themselves while dealing with dementia.

Memantine

• This prescription works to regulate levels of glutamate in the brain. Glutamate helps with learning and memory and has been shown to be most effective when used with a cholinesterase inhibitor.

Other Medicines

• While dementia advances, symptoms such as anxiety, agitation, and aggression can develop. They must be treated accordingly with proper medication under the instruction of a doctor.