Treatment Overview
Some cases of
dementia are caused by medical conditions that can be
treated, and treatment can restore some or all mental function. But most of the time, dementia cannot be
reversed.
Treatment when dementia can be reversed
Sometimes treating the cause of dementia helps the dementia. For example, the person might:
- Take vitamins for a deficiency of vitamin B12.
- Take
thyroid hormones for
.
- Have surgery to remove a
brain tumor or to reduce pressure on the brain.
- Stop or change
medicines that are causing memory loss or confusion.
- Take medicines
to treat an infection, such as
.
- Take medicine to treat
.
- Get treatment for reversible
conditions caused by
.
Treatment when dementia can't be reversed
If the cause of dementia cannot be
treated, the doctor will work with the person and caregivers to develop a plan
to make life easier and more comfortable. Care plans may include:
- Tips to help
the person be independent and manage daily life as long as possible. For more
information, see Home Treatment.
- Medicine. While
medicines cannot cure dementia, they may help improve mental function, mood, or
behavior. For more information, see Medications.
- Support and counseling. A diagnosis of dementia can
create feelings of anger, fear, and anxiety. A person in the early stage of the
illness should seek emotional support from family, friends, and perhaps a
counselor experienced in working with people who have dementia.
Planning for the future
If possible, make decisions while
your loved one is able to take part in the decision making. These are difficult
but important conversations. Questions include:
- What kind of care does he or she need right
now?
- Who will take care of him or her in the future?
- What can the family expect as the disease progresses?
- What kind of needs to be done?
Education of the family and other caregivers is critical to successfully caring for someone who has dementia. If you are or will be a caregiver, start learning what
you can expect and what you can do to manage problems as they arise. For more
information, see Home Treatment.
Treatment as dementia gets worse
The goal of ongoing treatment
for
dementia is to keep the person safely at home for as
long as possible and to provide support and guidance to the caregivers.
Routine follow-up visits to a health professional (every 3 to 6 months) are necessary to monitor medicines and the person's level of functioning.
Eventually, the family may have to consider whether to place the
person in a care facility that has a dementia unit. For more
information on making the decision about nursing care, see:
Alzheimer's or Other Dementia: Should I Move My Relative Into Long-Term Care?
Taking
care of a person with dementia is stressful. If you are a caregiver,
from family members or friends. Take care
of your own health by getting breaks from caregiving. Counseling, a support
group, and adult day care or respite care can help you through stressful times
and bouts of burnout.