Brain dementia is not a disease, but a group of symptoms that affect predominantly older people.The main symptom is memory loss, and other symptoms include problems with language, inability to problem solve, personality changes, inability to dress or eat, and inability to control emotions. Several treatments exist to manage dementia.
Cholinesterase Inhibitors
Drugs called cholinesterase inhibitors prevent the breakdown of a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. Donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine are examples of cholinesterase inhibitors. These drugs improve cognition in patients with dementia caused by Alzheimer's disease or Lewy body dementia.
Elimination of Sedating Drugs
The main symptom of dementia is progressive cognitive decline, and as such, medications that cause confusion or sleepiness should be avoided, or only used for short periods of time. These drugs can include sleeping pills known as hypnotics, and anti-anxiety drugs known as benzodiazepines.
Appropriate Stimulation
Patients with dementia feel more comfortable in familiar surroundings due to their memory loss. Thus, those with dementia should not be exposed to a lot of novelty, and should partake in regular, low stress activities that are routine.
Safety Measures
Dementia patients may forget that they cannot drive cars, or how to operate machinery or kitchen appliances. Thus, care must be taken to remove sharp objects and car keys, and to childproof certain switches.
Assistance for Caregivers
Those taking care of dementia patients are often highly stressed and frustrated. In order to ensure that the patient with dementia is treated with the highest level of care, doctors should check in with caregivers to make sure they have appropriate breaks and help, so that they do not burn out.
