Dementia causes reduced mental capacity, including impaired reasoning, language skills, and judgment. The first stage occurs when someone begins to experience a decline in their memory or cognitive skills. However, they can still function independently at home, at work, and social activities.
The second stage starts when someone needs assistance performing tasks, such as paying bills or managing medications. The patient may require supervision from another person trained on how to help with these tasks.
Your doctor may suggest treatments that help control symptoms and improve the overall quality of life. In addition, the best dementia treatments may help slow down the progression of the disease. The treatment options for dementia are vast and ever-changing.
As the disease progresses, caretakers work to access the best possible programs while physicians and researchers look for new treatments. It can be overwhelming at times, but knowledge is power, and learning all there is to know about dementia treatment gives you the ability to make informed decisions about your loved one’s future.
Medications
Some medications can help with behavior problems, including agitation, depression, hallucinations, delusions, and aggression. They also may help with memory loss symptoms such as confusion, disorientation, and trouble finding words. On the other hand, antidepressants can relieve anxiety and agitation in people with dementia.
Hospitalization
Hospitalization helps those experiencing severe behavioral changes or if they have become physically unable to care for themselves due to confusion or disorientation. Hospitalization offers round-the-clock monitoring by medical professionals who can provide emergency treatment.
They also aid in activities of daily living (ADLs). Sometimes, hospitalization may also allow caregivers some respite from caregiving duties so they can rest or attend to other obligations while the patient is in good hands at the hospital.
Cholinesterase Inhibitors
These drugs help boost levels of acetylcholine in the brain by preventing its breakdown by enzymes. Acetylcholine is an essential neurotransmitter for proper communication between nerve cells in the brain.
It also plays a role in memory formation and recalls, including muscle control and coordination. Common cholinesterase inhibitors include donepezil (Aricept).
Behavioral Interventions
The right kind of therapy can make a big difference in managing behavioral problems related to dementia. It may include teaching caregivers how to handle challenging behaviors or using rewards instead of punishment to manage behaviors such as wandering or aggression.
Physical activity also may help reduce symptoms such as depression, agitation, or anxiety.
Hospice Care
Hospice programs were initially for people who were dying from cancer. However, they now serve many other needs, including those with Alzheimer’s disease and different types of dementia. In addition, they provide specialized medical care that focuses on comfort rather than curing illness or prolonging life.
Respite Care
Respite care offers relief for you and your loved one while providing specialized care by trained staff members. It provides temporary relief so your loved one can enjoy time away from home while you run errands or attend events with friends or family members.
Physical Activity Program
Exercise sharpens memory and thinking skills in people with dementia. Your doctor may recommend physical therapy to increase strength and flexibility or balance exercises to improve posture and coordination.
In addition, eating well-balanced meals will help keep your weight healthy and give you more energy to stay physically active throughout the day. Finally, your doctor may recommend vitamin B12 shots if your system has low levels that could affect your memory or moods.
The best dementia treatments in Georgia can help slow down or stop the progression of symptoms but can’t cure or reverse the condition. Nevertheless, treatment of dementia is essential to managing a loved one’s care.
It may be possible to slow down the progression of dementia symptoms and improve quality of life with appropriate treatment. It’s common for people with dementia to take different drugs, but it’s vital to have your doctor approve all medications before taking them.
You should confirm with your doctor what each medication does and how much it should cost to make an informed decision about whether or not it’s suitable for you or your loved one.
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