Dementia: Effective Treatments

In this article, Zoey talks about effective dementia treatments and ways to help prevent dementia.

Managing dementia: effective treatments

By: Zoey Tietjen

Dementia is a range of neurological conditions that affect memory, thinking, and social abilities. While there is no cure for dementia at this moment, various treatment options can help manage symptoms and improve the quality of life. These treatments can fall into two categories: medications and lifestyles.

There are lots of medicines that doctors can prescribe to help with memory problems and thinking problems. Some of the medications stated by the National Library of Medicine are Cholinesterase inhibitors, which help the nerve cells communicate better in the brain. Memantine can help manage more moderate to severe dementia by helping regulate the brain chemicals. There are also newer medications coming out, like Leqsebi, that target proteins linked to Alzheimer's and can slow progression in the early stages.

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In most cases, non-medication approaches can also be helpful. The World Health Organization says that treatment like Cognitive Stimulation Therapy or CST involves engaging in puzzles, games, and discussions. CST is helpful because it keeps the brain going and staying active. The World Health Organization says, having regular activity and a good healthy diet like a Mediterranean diet can help slow memory loss. Using memory techniques such as phone reminders, keeping a consistent routine, and even looking at old photos can help with recall. Having daily social interactions and staying socially active can improve mood and mental sharpness.

Image from: News Medical

Scientists are looking for new and effective treatments. The National Library of Medicine says they are using medication such as medicine used for diabetes and obesity, that might slow down dementia, such as semaglutide, which is a drug used for Type 2 diabetics. They are also growing an interest in using blood tests to find very early dementia. The National Health Institute says that “A blood test identified Alzheimer’s disease correctly in older adults with about 90% accuracy” which might lead to better treatment options in the future.

While dementia cannot be cured right now, the right weave of treatments may be able to help individuals maintain independence and have a better quality of life.

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