According to the Merck Manual, at least five million Americans have dementia. A slow, progressive decline in mental function, dementia occurs primarily in people over the age of 65. Although people experience some age-related memory loss, dementia is much more serious because it affects the individual's ability to remember, think, reason and learn. Drugs approved for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease are often used for other types of dementia as well. Although medications cannot cure dementia, treatment can slow the development of symptoms, maintaining mental function as long as possible.
Cholinesterase Inhibitors
Cholinesterase inhibitors are Alzheimer's drugs that may also be used to treat other types of dementia. Donepezil, rivastigmine and galantamine hydrobromide, according to the Mayo Clinic, increase the level of acetylcholine--a chemical messenger involved in judgment and memory--in the brain. Side effects can include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. According to AARP, these drugs are only moderately effective, delaying the progress of Alzheimer's disease by a number of months. The National Institutes of Health reports that cholinesterase inhibitors improve alertness and attentiveness in patients with mild cognitive impairment, but that a 2005 study published in "The New England Journal of Medicine" found that the benefits of donepezil lasted no longer than three years.
Memantine
Memantine, according to the AARP, is a drug approved for treatment of moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease and may also be effective in the treatment of other dementias. Memantine regulates the activity of glutamate, a chemical messenger involved in all brain function, including learning and memory. Adding a cholinesterase inhibitor may boost the effects of memantine. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, side effects include headache, constipation, confusion, and dizziness.
Medications to Treat Underlying Causes
Although no standard treatment for dementia exists, some symptoms can be treated. Additional treatments aim to reduce the risk factors for further brain damage. Treatment of the underlying causes of dementia can also slow or sometimes stop its progress. In addition, some specific symptoms and behavioral problems can be treated with sedatives, antidepressants and other medications, but some of these drugs may worsen other symptoms.
Medications to Control Behavior
According to the Merck Manual, medications are sometimes prescribed if dementia patients develop disruptive behaviors. Antipsychotic drugs can control outbursts and agitation, but tend to be effective only in patients who have hallucinations, delusions or paranoia in addition to dementia. Anticonvulsants, used to control seizures, may also be effective in controlling violent outbursts in dementia patients. Antidepressants may be used in dementia patients who also are depressed.
Piribedil
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, medications that boost the level of dopamine are being tested in the United States. Piribedil, one of these medications, has no significant adverse effects, and appears to slow cognitive decline for at least several months. It is prescribed in 30 other countries, but is not approved for routine clinical use in the United States.
