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Dementia Treatment

Dementia is not a condition in and of itself, but rather describes particular symptoms that affect intellectual and social capabilities. Many forms of dementia exist, with Alzheimer's disease being the most prevalent. Changes in the brain can cause a number of symptoms including memory loss, impaired judgment or language, significant personality changes and confusion. Medications (which must be reviewed and discussed with a doctor) are available to treat dementia.

  1. Cholinesterase Inhibitors

    • Drugs like Aricept, Exelon and Razadyne increase levels of chemical substances in the brain that are linked to memory and judgment. They are mainly used to treat Alzheimer's disease but are sometimes effective for other forms of dementia like vascular, Parkinson's and Lewy Body. Possible side effects are nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

    Memantine

    • Memantine (Namenda) treats dementia by acting on glutamate, a chemical involved in all aspects of brain activity including learning and memory. Research indicates that a combination therapy of Namenda and a cholinesterase inhibitor can increase effectiveness. Dizziness is the most prevalent side effect.

    Other Medications

    • No standard course of treatment for dementia is currently established. Certain symptoms however, can be addressed with the goal of reducing further brain damage and improving quality of life. Prescribed treatments will be based on individual circumstances. For example, certain behavioral problems can be treated with sedatives, anti-anxiety medications or antidepressants.

      Other possible medications include those to reduce the risk of a health condition that can worsen dementia. For instance, to reduce the risk of stroke, your doctor may put you on medicine to treat high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol or heart disease.

    Vitamin E and Coenzyme Q10

    • Research is mixed on whether vitamin E can slow the advancement of Alzheimer's disease. Large doses can be dangerous and can increase the risk of bleeding, making it a potentially dangerous treatment for people taking blood-thinners. Coenzyme Q10 is necessary for normal cell functioning. Coenzyme Q10 has not been studied specifically for dementia, but a synthetic version called idebenone was studied, and did not show good results.

    Omega-3 Fatty Acids

    • Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish and nuts, are necessary for proper brain function. Two types in particular, DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), can help reduce risk of heart disease, stroke, dementia and mental decline, and the FDA has approved the advertisement of these qualified health claims on packaging for these supplements. Do not take more than 3 grams total of these fatty acids daily.

    Gingko and Huperzine A

    • Gingko is a popular herbal treatment with a long history of use for improving mental functioning, particularly memory. Recent research indicates no benefit for these conditions. Gingko can interfere with blood-thinning medications.

      Huperzine A, derived from Chinese club moss, acts in a similar manner as cholinesterase inhibitors, but should not be taken at the same time due to increased risk of toxicity.

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