Are There Any Drugs Available To Help Treat Dementia?

Dementia is a progressive condition that affects cognitive abilities. While there is currently no cure, certain medications may provide symptom relief and support daily functioning for some individuals if used under medical guidance.

Here at KYN, we’re dedicated to providing comprehensive dementia care, utilising the latest research, along with luxury care and proven techniques to help support those living with dementia. Many of our residents utilise medication as part of their care plan, alongside various kinds of physical and mental therapy.

Medication Options for Alzheimer's Disease

There is currently no cure for Alzheimer's disease, but certain medications may temporarily help reduce symptoms for some individuals if used under medical guidance. The two main classes of medications approved to improve symptoms of Alzheimer's are:

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors

These include donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine. They work by boosting levels of acetylcholine, a key neurotransmitter for memory, attention and thinking. Increasing acetylcholine levels in this way may help stabilise or temporarily improve cognition and function.

Memantine

Memantine works differently by blocking the effects of excess glutamate - another neurotransmitter involved in learning and memory. Too much glutamate is linked to brain cell damage, so by regulating glutamate, memantine may temporarily protect cognitive abilities.

These Alzheimer's medications aim to support communication between neurons, but only provide symptom relief, not a cure. It's important to remember though that medications should never be the only source of hope. Non-drug information, support, activities and treatments are just as vital in helping someone live well with Alzheimer's. Working closely with doctors to determine if medications may be appropriate alongside lifestyle factors and non-pharmacological therapies is key.

Symptom Control for Other Dementia Types

There have been fewer clinical trials evaluating medications specifically for dementia with Lewy bodies, Parkinson's disease dementia, and frontotemporal dementia compared to Alzheimer's disease. However, some medications may support other symptoms in these conditions.

• For dementia with Lewy bodies and Parkinson's disease dementia, there is evidence that cholinesterase inhibitors provide greater benefits for cognition and daily functioning than in Alzheimer's disease.
• For frontotemporal dementia, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like fluoxetine may help manage behavioural symptoms like disinhibition and compulsiveness.
• For mixed dementia with both Alzheimer's and vascular pathology, combination therapy with cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine may be beneficial.

It's important to note these medications aim to provide relief for certain associated symptoms, but do not slow or stop the underlying dementia disease processes. Close medical supervision is needed to determine if medications may be suitable as part of a comprehensive management plan tailored to the individual.

How Medications Can Help With Dementia

In addition to directly managing symptoms, other benefits of dementia medications include:

Delaying Disease Progression

Research indicates medications could delay symptom progression for a limited time, though benefits are often modest. The medications cannot stop or reverse underlying disease processes.

Improving Cognition

Medications may positively impact attention, memory, reasoning and motivation. However, individual responses vary based on dementia type and stage. Some experience significant stabilisation, while others see little cognitive improvement.

Supporting Daily Living

By improving cognition and managing symptoms, medications may temporarily support independence with activities like self-care, household tasks, and social interactions for those in early-middle stages.

Things to Consider Before Starting Dementia Medications:

Discussing potential benefits, side effects and expectations with one's doctor is important. Ongoing monitoring is also recommended to assess efficacy and side effects. Starting medication is a complex decision requiring input from medical professionals.

Common Side Effects of Dementia Medications

Dementia drugs may cause side effects like nausea, diarrhoea, dizziness, headache, confusion, loss of appetite, insomnia, muscle cramps. Serious effects like tremors, fainting, or heart complications can also occur. Following dosage instructions can help minimise risks.

Best Practices for Continuing and Stopping Medications

Close medical oversight is advised for long-term medication use. Check-ins allow assessment of continued efficacy to determine if drugs should be continued, adjusted or discontinued. Gradual tapering under medical guidance is safest when stopping medications.

Tips for Safe Self-Medication Management

Adhering carefully to instructions, using pill organisers, keeping schedules, setting reminders, and involving caregivers in administration can aid proper medication use. Pharmacies also offer packaging options to support compliance.

For Dedicated, Personalised Care, Choose KYN’s Luxury Care in London

Dementia medications can temporarily help manage symptoms, sustain cognitive abilities, and slow functional declines for some individuals if used cautiously under medical guidance. However, they cannot cure or halt progression of underlying neurological diseases. Working closely with one's doctor is key to determine if medications may be an appropriate part of an individualised care plan.

Here at KYN, we work with healthcare providers to develop bespoke care plans for all our residents living with dementia. As a specialised dementia care home in London, we’re dedicated to providing unbeatable care for all our residents.

In addition to medications when appropriate, we also employ a variety of non-pharmacological approaches to support those living with dementia. We utilise therapies like music, art, exercise, and cognitive stimulation to help manage behaviour changes and enhance quality of life. To request a KYN brochure, enquire today. Simply fill in our online form, call us on +44 (0) 20 3535 1923 or email enquiries@kyn.co.uk.