Dementia treatment won’t turn back the clock, but it can slow decline, ease symptoms, and help people stay independent longer. If you’re helping someone with memory loss, focus on realistic wins: better sleep, fewer falls, clearer routines, and more good days.
Doctors often prescribe cholinesterase inhibitors—donepezil, rivastigmine, or galantamine—for mild to moderate Alzheimer’s. These meds can improve thinking, reduce confusion, or help with daily tasks for months or sometimes years. Memantine is used for moderate to severe stages and can calm agitation or improve attention for some people. New treatments are emerging and some target specific disease types; talk to a neurologist or memory clinic about eligibility for newer options.
Researchers also test drugs from other fields. For example, dipyridamole, a medicine used to affect blood flow, has attracted interest in Alzheimer’s research. That doesn’t mean it’s a standard treatment yet—it’s still under study. Always ask whether a drug is approved for dementia and what the expected benefit and side effects are before starting it.
Non-drug steps often give the biggest return. Regular aerobic exercise—walking, swimming, cycling—three times a week supports thinking, balance, and mood. Control vascular risks: keep blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol in range to reduce further brain damage. Hearing and vision checks matter; untreated sensory loss makes confusion and withdrawal worse.
Cognitive activity helps too. Simple routines, social groups, memory games, and structured day programs can preserve skills and reduce agitation. Sleep matters: treat sleep apnea and avoid long-term sedatives when possible. Drugs like benzodiazepines (for example, Ativan) can increase confusion and fall risk in older adults, so work with the prescriber to find safer options.
Behavioral changes often outpace pills. Describe routines clearly, use calendars and labels around the house, simplify choices, and reduce noisy environments. That lowers anxiety and helps people cooperate with care. When behaviors become hard to manage, non-drug strategies—structured activities, regular schedules, and environmental fixes—should come first, with meds used only when necessary and closely monitored.
Plan ahead. Set legal and medical directives early, discuss care preferences, and organize supports like home care or adult day programs before a crisis. Caregiver support is vital—use respite services, join local support groups, or ask a social worker for resources. Burnout reduces quality of care and increases stress for everyone.
Ask simple questions when evaluating treatments: What symptom will this address? What benefits should I expect and by when? What are the risks, and how will we measure improvement? A clear plan and regular reviews help you avoid unnecessary or harmful medications and keep the focus on quality of life.
Exelon is a medication used to treat symptoms of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease dementia. This article explores how it works, its benefits, and tips on managing its side effects. You’ll learn about its real-world impact on patients and families, plus practical advice on what to expect. It covers the story behind Exelon, insights into its effectiveness, and what to talk about with your doctor.
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