Controlling dementia is done with the main aim of reducing the suffering that results from cognitive symptoms while also minimizing the rate of cognitive decline. Management of dementia can be carried out using non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatments to enhance a patient’s quality of life. Some of the non-pharmacological approaches applied in the management of dementia include stimulating activities, physical exercise, having a healthy diet, and adequate sleep (Arvanitakis et al., 1). Some of the pharmacological treatments applied in the management of dementia are cholinesterase inhibitors, memantine, antidepressants, and antipsychotic medicines (Salamon 1). The methods applied in controlling dementia help to reduce symptoms while also preventing cognitive decline.
Non-pharmacological treatments applied in the control of dementia focus on initiating lifestyle changes to ensure that a person feels good. A dementia patient must stay active through physical exercise since it helps to reduce symptoms such as challenges in thinking, anxiety, and depression. Another non-pharmacological treatment used to manage dementia is having a good sleep, since it helps to create a calm feeling to prevent symptoms from worsening. Having a healthy diet can also play a significant role in slowing down dementia.
Pharmacological treatments cannot help treat dementia since they only help ease symptoms caused by the medical condition. One of the pharmacological treatments applied in the control of dementia is cholinesterase inhibitors such as donepezil and galantamine. Cholinesterase inhibitors play a significant role in reducing the breakdown of brain chemicals utilized in memory and judgment (Salamon 1). Another treatment used to manage dementia is memantine, which helps to control a chemical in the brain used for learning and memory. Antidepressants can also be used to enhance a patient’s mood and reduce the likelihood of irritability. Antipsychotic medicines also help manage dementia by helping to control hostility, agitation, and illusions.
In conclusion, the treatments applied to control dementia help to reduce symptoms while also preventing cognitive decline. Non-pharmacological treatment applied in the management of dementia help to reduce symptoms of the condition by initiating lifestyle changes such as diet, exercising, and having a good sleep. Pharmacological treatments applied in the management of dementia include cholinesterase inhibitors, memantine, antidepressants, and antipsychotic medicines.
Works Cited
Arvanitakis, Zoe, Raj C. Shah, and David A. Bennett. “Diagnosis and management of dementia.” Jama 322.16 (2019): 1589-1599. Web.
Salamon, Maureen. “What Are the Treatments for Dementia?” WebMD, 2018, Web.