Types of Treatment

Although these is no known cure, there are a number of different types of treatment that can be used to control the effects of Dementia. Obviously some of these involve the taking of medication, but usually treatment will involve a combination of drugs and therapy. If the cause and type of Dementia is known, it is possible to tailor the treatment to manage the condition in the most effective way, although some forms of treatment can be beneficial regardless of what type of Dementia has been diagnosed.

Symptoms

Dementia is a very complex condition and over 100 different types have been identified, although a lot of these are quite scarce and rarely diagnosed. Symptoms are usually classified as one of 2 different categories - cognitive and non-cognitive.

Cognitive

Cognitive usually refers to the symptoms that are brought about as a direct result of the condition. These typically include memory loss and the loss of functional ability.

Non-cognitive

Non-cognitive usually refers to the symptoms that are brought about as a result of the cognitive symptoms. These typically include a diverse range of symptoms that may include depression, anxiety, sleep disruptions, hallucinations (sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch), delusions, and sometimes aggression. Treating non-cognitive symptoms can be just as important as treating the cognitive symptoms, as these are often responsible for immense stress to the person with Dementia and also their carer. There is also the added consideration of dealing with organisations such as day care centres or residential homes where non-cognitive symptoms will have a major influence on what services are made available to the person with Dementia.

Drug Treatment

The type of medication that should be used will depend on the type of Dementia diagnosed. It is safe to say that most cases of Dementia will at some point require drug treatment, especially to treat the non-cognitive symptoms. Cognitive symptoms are usually treated using drugs to stimulate the brain to produce higher levels of certain chemicals that will help the cells in the brain communicate more effectively, and also help slow down the progression of the underlying causes by blocking the action of enzymes that could counteract this. Most non-cognitive symptoms can be treated to a high degree of success using anti-psychotic medication, although care must be taken that the symptoms are actually addressed and the person with Dementia is not just sedated. Careful monitoring, regular reviews, and a procedure of 'smallest dose for shortest period possible' should be adopted. Other medications are sometimes used to treat sleep disturbances on individuals with Dementia, although these often cause additional confusion and are not prescribed unless absolutely necessary.

Cognitive Therapy

Cognitive therapy can be best described as taking part in activities that mirror everyday tasks that help improve memory, problem-solving, and language / numeric abilities. This can be done on a formal basis with a trainer at least a couple of times a week, or on a continuous basis with the carer or other family members. Activities include memory games, puzzles and completion of simple practical tasks.

Psychosocial Therapy

Psychosocial therapy is similar to cognitive therapy but more more of an emphasis on social skills with the carer and other family members providing the majority of the support and guidance. This is best carried out in the home environment and should be used to encourage the person with Dementia to keep mentally and physically active. Activities such as reminiscence therapy, lifebooks, and social interaction are commonly used.

Behavioural Therapy

Behavioural therapy is often used in conjunction with cognitive therapy, and is used to treat problems such as anxiety, depression, confusion and aggression amongst others. This uses an approach that addresses problem solving skills to identify the motivations behind the undesired behaviour. It is usually given by a trained carer or family member under the supervision of a health professional.

Reality Orientation Therapy

Reality orientation therapy is a good technique that can be used in a classroom type environment, such as a support group. It concentrates on current / local information such as date, time, location, and immediate acquaintances. This has been proven to help with memory retention, confusion and self-esteem.

Multisensory Stimulation Therapy

Whilst multisensory stimulation therapy can work well for some people, it is not for everyone and some people can find it adds to their confusion causing them to become unsettled and suffer adverse reactions. It involves the stimulation of the brain through sights, sounds, smells, and different touch sensations. Relaxing music, pleasant fragrances, and massage are all commonly used. It is often referred to as Snoezelen and was developed in the Netherlands in the 1970s.

Exercise Therapy

Exercise therapy is basically a gentle fitness routine that is designed to keep the person physically active and also increase blood flow to the brain for sustained periods of time. This has been proven to not only retain physical ability and motor skills, but also to reduce the speed at which the Dementia develops.

Dance Therapy

Dance therapy is about using movement to develop and improve physical and psychological wellbeing. This is also used mainly as part of stress related programs. Dance therapy should be enjoyable and may be a familiar activity for elderly people and provides quality time with them and their partner. It can develop concentration and procedural learning which is a long term memory initiated by a past experience. It can also help diffuse the frustration and agitation that is commonly experienced by people in the latter stages of Dementia.

Horticultural Therapy

Horticultural therapy is an intervention using a set of recreational activities that include the beneficial effects of plants and nature for the prevention or treatment of illnesses. It uses a periodic and effective method that may improve cognitive and psychosocial functioning of elderly people with Dementia. The people with Dementia can care for plants, plant new seedlings as well as reminisce about their gardens which can provide a link between past and present. This can also help to improve physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. Caring for living things can give them a sense of importance, boost self-esteem, and develop relationships when done in a group activity.