Dementia

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Treatment

In some cases, appropriate treatment for the underlying condition can resolve dementia completely or partially. The type of treatment depends on the condition. For example, antibiotics are used to treat infection, and surgery is performed to remove a blood clot or tumor.

The goal of treatment for irreversible conditions is to control symptoms. Three FDA-approved drugs may provide symptomatic relief for Alzheimer's: donepezil (Aricept®), galantamine (Reminyl®), and rivastigmine (Exelon®).

Tranquilizers and sedatives can ease agitation, anxiety, and aggression. Medications or devices may be used to help manage sleeplessness and incontinence. Safety precautions are necessary to protect a person who is disoriented and may wander from home. Many patients with dementia eventually require 24-hour care in a health or residential facility.

Prevention

Some studies indicate that a largely vegetarian diet high in betacarotene and vitamins E and C may lower the risk for dementia and Alzheimer's disease, but this is unproven. Nevertheless, eating a healthy diet that is low in saturated animal fat and not smoking tobacco can reduce the risk for stroke and other cardiovascular disorders that may lead to dementia.

Lifestyle habits that can reduce the risk for head injury include:

• Using seat belts
• Wearing a helmet when riding bicycles and motorcycles
• Wearing protective headgear when playing contact sports

Avoiding substance abuse and addiction can reduce the risk for dementia resulting from disease, vitamin deficiency, seizure, and head injury.

Safer sex practices can help prevent HIV and syphilis infection, reducing the risk for AIDS dementia complex and neurosyphilis dementia. The risk for dementia as a result of other metabolic or toxic conditions can be reduced by receiving prompt medical attention at the first sign of illness (e.g., fever, pain, swelling, heat, confusion, other impairment of cognitive function).

Dementia, Treatment, Prevention reprinted with permission from neurologychannel.com
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