Dementia treatment: Practical options you can use today
Dementia affects millions and there’s no single cure. That’s hard to hear, but treatments and daily strategies can slow decline, ease symptoms, and make life better for you or a loved one. This page focuses on realistic steps—both medical and practical—that people use right now.
Early diagnosis matters. The sooner a doctor identifies the type of dementia, the sooner you can start treatments that may help and rule out reversible causes like vitamin deficiency, thyroid issues, or medication effects. A clear diagnosis also opens the door to planning, support, and clinical trials.
Medications: what to expect
Doctors commonly prescribe cholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine) for Alzheimer’s symptoms and memantine for moderate to severe stages. These drugs can improve memory, thinking, or daily function for months to years, but they don’t stop the disease. Side effects include nausea, diarrhea, sleep changes, and rarely heart rhythm problems. Your clinician will weigh benefits, monitor side effects, and adjust doses. Combining drugs is sometimes recommended, but only under medical supervision.
Treat other health issues too. Controlling blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol can slow vascular dementia. Review all current medicines with a clinician—some common drugs can worsen confusion.
Daily steps that help
Non-drug actions often give the biggest day-to-day boost. Aim for regular aerobic exercise—walking 20–30 minutes most days helps mood, sleep, and thinking. Follow a Mediterranean-style diet: lots of vegetables, fish, olive oil, and whole grains. Keep a predictable routine, simplify tasks, and use reminders like calendars and labels.
Engage the brain with social activities, puzzles, reading, or music. Good sleep and treating hearing loss matter more than people expect. For behavioral symptoms—agitation, wandering, or sleep issues—start with environmental changes and routines before medicines. Safety checks around the home and clear communication reduce stress for both the person and caregiver.
Caregivers should build a support plan: share responsibilities, set realistic goals, seek respite, and get legal and financial affairs in order early. Support groups and counseling reduce isolation and teach practical tips.
Research keeps moving. Ask your doctor about clinical trials, new drug approvals, and local resources. Our site includes deeper guides on medications like memantine and practical tips for caregivers. Talk with a clinician about the best mix of treatments for your situation and review the plan regularly as needs change.
Simple communication tricks reduce frustration. Use short sentences, one idea at a time, and a calm tone. Offer choices instead of open questions like 'Tea or juice?' Use visual cues, photos, and labeled drawers. When confusion spikes, change the activity, lower noise, and validate feelings rather than argue. Small wording and environment changes often cut anxiety and nighttime restlessness. Plan ahead for legal and medical choices: name a healthcare proxy, gather documents, and discuss care preferences early. Palliative care teams support symptoms and quality of life at any stage. If you consider experimental drugs, ask about risks and placebo chance. Talk to your clinician about trials and local resources they recommend near you now.
