Dementia Treatment: Overview And Options
In this article, we’ll discuss the different types of treatments that may help.
Non-Medical Treatment Options for Dementia
For dementia patients, non-medical treatments can greatly improve quality of life. Some of the most common non-medical treatments for dementia include:
- Social support and involvement – This includes regular visits with friends and family, going to group activities, and engaging in conversations with other individuals who can relate to some of the struggles associated with dementia.
- Physical activity – Research has shown that physical activity can improve mood, energy levels, and sleep quality, which can all help reduce the symptoms of dementia.
- Mental stimulation – Puzzles, word games, and other activities that involve a person’s sense of recall can help keep the mind sharp and reduce some of the cognitive effects of dementia.
Additionally, it is important for family members and caregivers of individuals with dementia to make sure their loved ones are eating a healthy diet and getting enough sleep.
Medication Treatments for Dementia
In addition to non-medical treatments, there are also various medications that can be used to treat dementia. These medications fall into two main categories:
- Cholinesterase inhibitors – These drugs are designed to slow the progression of dementia by increasing levels of a chemical messenger in the brain called acetylcholine, which is important for memory formation.
- Memantine – This type of medication works by blocking the activity of the neurotransmitter glutamate, which has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease.
Cholinesterase inhibitors may have mild side effects, such as nausea and vomiting, but memantine typically has few negative effects. Both types of medications can be effective at reducing the severity of dementia symptoms, but results may vary from one individual to the next.
Alternative Treatments for Dementia
In addition to medications, there are also various alternative treatments that have been studied and proven to help reduce the symptoms of dementia. Some of these treatments include:
- Herbal remedies – Herbal remedies, such as ginkgo biloba and gotu kola, have been used for hundreds of years to help improve memory and reduce the symptoms of dementia.
- While there is some scientific evidence of their benefits, more research is needed.
- Massage – Massage therapy has been studied as an alternative treatment for dementia, and some research suggests that it may help improve mood, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep quality.
- Acupuncture – Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body. Although the scientific evidence for its effectiveness is inconclusive, some studies suggest that acupuncture may be helpful in reducing some of the cognitive effects of dementia.
Take-Aways
When it comes to dementia treatment, there are a variety of options to consider. Non-medical treatments, such as social support and physical activity, can help improve quality of life. There are also a number of medications that may be effective at reducing the symptoms of dementia. Finally, there are a number of alternative treatments, such as herbal remedies, massage therapy, and acupuncture, which may be beneficial as well.