Treatment
Through research, we are learning more and more about how dementia can affect the brain. It is not yet know how to prevent or cure it, but there are treatments available now that can help manage the symptoms. Knowing and recognising the early symptoms can give you time to consider various issues such as availing of treatments available, the management of financial and legal affairs. You should discuss the treatment options with the GP / Consultant.
What benefits can treatment offer?
It is important to remember that no two people are the same and therefore no two people experience the same symptoms. Each medicine has its own advantages and your GP will discuss this with you and advise which is the most suitable for the person with dementia.
These medicines can help treat the following symptoms:
Memory and Thinking
Memory loss and forgetfulness are early symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease and people often pass this off as a normal part of the ageing process. Everyone can forget a name or a face occasionally but memory problems become more frequent and severe for a person with Alzheimer's Disease. These treatments can help improve a person's memory and enable the person to retain new information for longer.
Everyday Activities
When a person has Alzheimer's Disease even simple, mundane tasks can be difficult for them. Examples of this might include using the phone, doing household chores, getting dressed, preparing meals, or managing money. Medication can help some people to continue managing their activities of daily living for longer.
Behaviour
A person's behaviour can be affected by Alzheimer's Disease in many ways. Symptoms can include hallucinations, wandering, aggression and moodiness. Medications can help with these symptoms and this in turn can enable the person with Alzheimer's Disease to remain at home with their family/carer for longer, possibly delaying the need for full-time residential care.