How can alzheimers disease be treated

Patients should be monitored when a drug is started. All of these medicines have possible side effects , including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, allergic reactions, and loss of appetite. Report any unusual symptoms to the prescribing doctor right away.

Also, let the doctor know before adding or changing any medications. Scientists are learning why these symptoms occur and are studying new treatments — drug and nondrug — to manage them. Learn more about behavioral changes in people with Alzheimer's disease and ways to cope.

Sleep aids are used to help people get to sleep and stay asleep. There are lifestyle changes people can make to improve their sleep. Learn more about getting a good night's sleep. Anti-anxiety drugs are used to treat agitation. These drugs can cause sleepiness, dizziness, falls , and confusion. For this reason, doctors recommend they should only be used for short periods of time. Anti-convulsants are drugs sometimes used to treat severe aggression. Side effects may cause sleepiness, dizziness, mood swings, and confusion.

Antipsychotics are drugs used to treat paranoia, hallucinations , agitation, and aggression. Side effects of using these drugs can be serious, including increased risk of death in some older people with dementia. In ongoing clinical trials , scientists are developing and testing several possible interventions, including immunization therapy, drug therapies, cognitive training, physical activity, and treatments for cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

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Create a New Account. Forgot Username or Password? Medications for Alzheimer's disease Alzheimer's rehabilitation. How is Alzheimer's disease treated? Care plans may include any of the following: Medicines. These may slow down symptoms for a while and make the disease easier to live with. These medicines may not work for everyone or have a big effect.

But most experts think they're worth a try. Regular doctor visits to check the person's response to medicine, look for new problems, see how symptoms are changing, and provide continuing education to the family.

Treating other health conditions, such as depression or hearing and vision loss. Planning how the person can be as independent as possible and manage his or her own life for as long as possible. It usually involves using props such as photos, favourite possessions or music. Life story work involves a compilation of photos, notes and keepsakes from your childhood to the present day.

It can be either a physical book or a digital version. These approaches are sometimes combined. Evidence shows they can improve mood and wellbeing. Read more about how dementia is treated. Page last reviewed: 05 July Next review due: 05 July Medicines A number of medicines may be prescribed for Alzheimer's disease to help temporarily improve some symptoms. The main medicines are: Acetylcholinesterase AChE inhibitors These medicines increase levels of acetylcholine, a substance in the brain that helps nerve cells communicate with each other.

Memantine This medicine is not an AChE inhibitor. Medicines to treat challenging behaviour In the later stages of dementia, a significant number of people will develop what's known as behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia BPSD. The symptoms of BPSD can include: increased agitation anxiety wandering aggression delusions and hallucinations These changes in behaviour can be very distressing for both the person with Alzheimer's disease and their carer.

Treatments that involve therapies and activities Medicines for Alzheimer's disease symptoms are only one part of the care for the person with dementia. Cognitive stimulation therapy Cognitive stimulation therapy CST involves taking part in group activities and exercises designed to improve memory and problem-solving skills.

Cognitive rehabilitation This technique involves working with a trained professional, such as an occupational therapist, and a relative or friend to achieve a personal goal, such as learning to use a mobile phone or other everyday tasks. Reminiscence and life story work Reminiscence work involves talking about things and events from your past.