Quick Start: Nonpharmacological Treatment Of The Behavioral And Psychological Symptoms Of Dementia Important Principles for Treating Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia—The 3Rs: Reassure Let patients know that they will be cared for and their wishes will be respected. Reconsider…
Quick Start: Caring for and Educating the Caregiver Alzheimer’s is a disease that affects the entire family. Approximately 70% of patients with Alzheimer’s disease are cared for at home by a family member. Supporting the caregiver is vitally important. Listen…
Quick Start: Evaluating the Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia The behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia The behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia are usually the most difficult symptoms for patients and caregivers to manage. Symptoms usually assessed on…
Quick Start: Future Treatments of Memory Loss, Alzheimer’s disease, and dementia Symptomatic and disease-modifying treatment Alzheimer’s disease can be treated either to improve symptoms and function or to slow disease progression. Symptomatic treatments work by altering neurotransmitter function. Disease-modifying treatments…
Quick Start: Nonpharmacological Treatment of Memory Loss, Alzheimer’s Disease, and Dementia Nonpharmacological treatments to help memory loss can improve function equal to or greater than medication. External memory aids such as calendars, lists, and whiteboards can be helpful in keeping…
Quick Start: Vitamins, Herbs, Supplements, and Antiinflammatories Vitamin D: Increased risk of all-cause dementia and Alzheimer’s disease has been observed in those with vitamin D deficiency. We recommend vitamin D supplementation for our patients with vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin E:…
Quick Start: Memantine Mechanism of action and cognitive benefit Memantine (generic and Namenda extended-release [XR]) has two mechanisms of action: (1) modulating glutamate and (2) enhancing dopamine transmission. It improves attention, alertness, apathy, and global functioning. Indications and recommendations Memantine…
Quick Start: Cholinesterase Inhibitors Mechanism of action and cognitive benefit Cholinesterase inhibitors increase the concentration of acetylcholine at the synapse and improve memory, attention, mood, and behavior. Cholinesterase inhibitors are efficacious and well tolerated. Indications and recommendations For Alzheimer’s disease…
Quick Start: Goals for the Treatment of Memory Loss, Alzheimer’s Disease, and Dementia Treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and other causes of memory loss and dementia is best carried out in a partnership between patient, caregiver, and clinician. Current FDA approved…
Quick Start: Other Disorders that Cause Memory Loss or Dementia Depression and anxiety Although depression and/or anxiety may cause memory loss, many patients with memory loss and depression and/or anxiety have mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s disease. Medication side effects…