Treatment for Dementia
In some cases, appropriate treatment for the underlying condition can resolve dementia completely or partially. The type of treatment depends on the condition. For example, antibiotics are used to treat infection, and surgery is performed to remove a blood clot or tumor.
The goal of treatment for irreversible conditions is to control symptoms. Three FDA-approved drugs may provide symptomatic relief for Alzheimer's: donepezil (Aricept®), galantamine (Reminyl®), and rivastigmine (Exelon®).
Tranquilizers and sedatives can ease agitation, anxiety, and aggression. Medications or devices may be used to help manage sleeplessness and incontinence. Safety precautions are necessary to protect a person who is disoriented and may wander from home. Many patients with dementia eventually require 24-hour care in a health or residential facility.
Physician-developed and -monitored.
Original Date of Publication: 02 Jan 2000
Reviewed by: Stanley J. Swierzewski, III, M.D.
Last Reviewed: 04 Dec 2007
Dementia, Treatment for Dementia reprinted with permission from neurologychannel.com
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