Dementia: An Overview

Treating Dementia

How do you Treat Dementia?

Treatment may involve correcting underlying problems such as high blood pressure or diabetes.^[2] In addition, there are drugs used to slow down the decline associated with dementia or reduce the severity of symptoms. These drugs include:

• Cholinesterase inhibitors – drugs that increase the levels of chemical messengers in the brain.
• Memantine – another drug that controls a specific chemical messenger in the brain.
• Other medicines are available that reduce risk of brain damage. In addition, medicines might be used to treat depression and other behavioral issues.

This Elder Health Guide was published on October 13, 2009 and was updated on October 13, 2009.