When a doctor tells you that your mother, father, spouse, or someone you love has dementia , it can be a shock. At that moment, we feel like we need to do everything we can to improve their memory, thinking, mood, and behavior. This can be a difficult thing to deal with. But don't worry, there are steps you can take to help manage the condition.
Medications for dementia
First of all, there is no cure for dementia . However, some medications can help control symptoms for a while. Doctors can also prescribe other medications to treat the side effects of dementia, such as depression , insomnia, or irritability.
The most important thing is that all these medications should be used only on medical advice . You should talk to your doctor and take the medication exactly as he or she prescribes, in the correct dosage.
Here are some of the main medications given for this condition:
| Type of medicine | Function and use |
|---|---|
| Monoclonal antibodies | These drugs help people with mild Alzheimer's disease, where special proteins are deposited in the brain. They have some potential to change the course of Alzheimer's disease. |
| Cholinesterase inhibitors Eg: Donepezil (Aricept), Galantamine (Razadyne), Rivastigmine (Exelon) | Slows the breakdown of a brain chemical involved in memory and judgment. |
| Memantine (Memantine - Namenda) | It helps regulate another brain chemical that is needed for learning and memory. Sometimes doctors give this in combination with the above medications (Namzaric). |
| Antidepressants Especially the type of SSRIs | Helps control mood swings and frequent anger. |
| Anxiolytics Ex: Lorazepam (Ativan), Oxazepam (Serax) | These are given to relieve conditions such as restlessness and anxiety. |
| Antipsychotic medicines Ex: Aripiprazole (Abilify), Risperidone (Risperdal) | These are used to control severe behaviors and emotions, such as aggression, restlessness, and hallucinations. |
Therapies that help in addition to medication
In addition to medication, there are several therapies that can help your loved one improve their memory and thinking skills, at least to help them get through their day. But remember, whatever you do should be something that improves their quality of life, not something that causes them distress or stress.
- Reminiscence therapy: Simply put, this involves talking about their past. For example, talking about their hometown, their school days, their work, their favorite hobbies . Sometimes they are made to listen to old songs they used to listen to, look at old family photo albums, or give them an old item they used to love. These things help to rekindle their old memories.
- Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST): This is a group activity designed for people with mild to moderate dementia. In this, a group gets together and does simple things that challenge the brain. For example, talking about something in the newspaper, singing songs, playing word games, or cooking a meal.
- Reality orientation training: This involves reminding them of basic things. Things like their name, the day of the week, and the time. Sometimes boards with this information are posted around the house. But some people find this annoying. So if your person doesn't like it, stop doing it.
Important lifestyle changes to make
Even if someone has dementia, their daily habits can have a big impact on their mood and health. Remember, what's good for our heart and body is also good for our brain.
Stay active
This includes anything from going to a fitness class for seniors, walking, dancing, gardening, etc. But you need to make sure that the exercise is safe for them . Their abilities may vary depending on whether they are in the early, middle, or late stages of dementia. Research has shown that exercise can slow down the symptoms of dementia (such as difficulty thinking) and reduce anxiety and depression .
Prioritize good sleep
Many people with dementia experience worse symptoms later in the day. So create a quiet environment in the evening and at night. Avoid giving them caffeine-containing drinks like tea and coffee in the evening . Limit the amount of time they nap during the day. Don't leave the TV on too loud at night.
Focus on foods
What your loved one eats and drinks can directly affect their brain health. Good eating habits can even slow the progression of dementia. You may have heard of the MIND diet . It's a combination of the DASH diet , which is designed to lower high blood pressure , and the traditional Mediterranean diet. It's also been found to have lower rates of dementia in areas where people follow this diet.
| Things to eat and limit on the MIND Diet | |
|---|---|
| Eat more. | Limit |
| Vegetables (especially leafy greens like spinach, kale, and collard greens) | Red meat (beef, pork) |
| Nuts and legumes such as beans and peas | Butter and margarine |
| Berries | Cheese |
| Bran grains (buckwheat, bran rice) | Sweet food and drinks |
| Fish and chicken | Fried food |
| Olive oil | |
Challenge the brain
This doesn't mean they should do crossword puzzles. Let them do those things if they want to. Instead, encourage them to do things they've always enjoyed and can still do. For example, listening to music, playing an instrument like the piano, or going to church. If these things make them more social, that's even better.
Keep everything organized.
Hang a calendar in a visible place at home. Mark upcoming tasks, appointments, etc. on it.
Rethink the home
Reduce unnecessary clutter in the home, such as loud TVs and radios. Keep potentially dangerous items like knives and car keys out of sight.
Take care of your eyesight and hearing too.
It is very important for someone with dementia to be able to see and hear well. If they have vision problems, it can be more difficult to recognize familiar people and things. These problems can increase their confusion and make them feel lonely .
So, see their eye doctor to see if they need to change their glasses. Also, ask their family doctor for a referral to a doctor who can check their hearing. If necessary, get a new hearing aid.
Counseling and support for you and the patient
Dementia can be a stressful experience for both the person with dementia and for those who care for them. If your loved one is struggling to cope, ask their doctor to refer them to a trained mental health counselor . If you are struggling to cope, get help for yourself. It can also be helpful to join support groups for people with dementia and their caregivers.
Take-Home Message
- There is no cure for dementia yet, but there are many treatments that can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
- Any medication should only be given under the advice of a doctor . Avoid self-medication.
- In addition to medication, therapy, exercise, a good diet, and activities that keep the brain active can help the patient a lot.
- As a caregiver, take care of your own mental health . Seek help from counseling and support groups if necessary.
- Regular vision and hearing screenings and provision of necessary equipment can reduce the patient's confusion and loneliness.
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