Dementia Drugs
Medications used in the treatment of dementia fall into two main categories, those that aim to slow the progression of the disease symptoms (see below), and those that your doctor's think may help make the illness easier to live with. You may be interested to read Drugs to help with the Impact of Dementia factsheet.
Drug Treatments for Alzheimer's Disease
At present no drug treatments can provide a cure for Alzheimer's disease. However in recent years several drugs (Aricept, Exelon, and Reminyl), have been developed that assist the transmission of nerve impulses within the brain. For some people these drugs will temporarily slow the progression of Alzheimer's symptoms in the early stages of the disease.
There is also a newer drug, called Ebixa, that works in a different way, and may slow progression of Alzheimer's symptoms later in the disease.
Detailed information can be found on the factsheet A Guide to Dementia Drug Treatments.
The Royal College of Psychiatrists public information leaflet Drug Treatment of Alzheimer's disease has information on these drugs, and also includes information about other possible treatments.
Repeat Prescriptions, Collection Services, and Dossette Boxes
Remembering to take medication at the right time, or to reorder regular medications before they run out, can be difficult. Ask your doctor’s surgery or pharmacy about how repeat prescriptions and prescription collection services might make getting your medication easier.
The chemist should also be able to advise you about dossette boxes, which are special boxes with separate pill compartments for different times of the day and days of the week. These can help people to remember to take tablets at the right time. Automatic versions are also available; the dispenser beeps and a small opening allows access to the tablets when they are due to be taken. There are medication reminders and dispensers on the ‘atdementia’ product pages http://www.atdementia.org.uk
Guideposts’ own Care at Home service can also assist in prompting medication for anyone who may forget to take their medications or may take more than they should. These medications need to be dispensed from “blister packs” so that all medications within a sealed unit are given at any one time. These blister packs are prepared by the chemist.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Some people feel that complementary or alternative medicine could help people with dementia. Complementary and alternative therapies include aromatherapy massage, music therapy, and nutritional supplements. More information is available in the Alzheimer's Society Factsheet Complementary therapies and dementia.
More information is available in the Alzheimer's Society Factsheet Complementary therapies and dementia and Complementary and Alternative Medicines from The Royal College of Psychiatrists.
