New Treatments for Dementia

According to the Online Newshour, dementia afflicts five million elderly Americans. Almost half of these are suspected cases of Alzheimer's. New treatments are being sought every day in a puzzling field of medicine that has seen no significant development in 50 years.

Early Detection

• Doctors are finding that administering blood tests to elderly patients who display mild signs of forgetfulness enables them to predict which patients may eventually be stricken with the disease. This knowledge allows the patient to begin a therapy regimen, possibly slowing the onset of dementia.

Amyloid Buildup

• Dementia and Alzheimer's are thought to progress when amyloid, a protein, builds up in the brain. Doctors at the University of California, San Francisco Memory and Aging Center are testing an antibody called bapineuzumab to prevent amyloid buildup.

Non-Cognitive Treatment

• Dementia is a cognitive disorder, but its symptoms can be non-cognitive, such as depression, anxiety and psychosis. Antidepressants are now prescribed to patients who display such behaviors.

Non-Medical Treatment

• Advanced dementia patients are treated for physical ailments, but doctors are finding that the overall comfort of the patient is paramount. Treatment in advanced cases keeps the patient in familiar surrounding for as long as possible. Disease symptoms are kept at bay when a patient remains active.

Terminal Treatment

• Dementia is a terminal illness. Doctors are now realizing the importance of palliative care and the need to reduce physical suffering not always associated with a neurological condition.