Though there is currently no cure for dementia, there is extensive research dedicated to finding a cure. The Alzheimer’s Association, National Institute on Aging and the Dementia Discovery Fund are a few organizations leading the research.

Currently, the treatment for dementia is focused on improving quality of life in a senior being affected. The specific treatment plan will depend on the underlying cause of the dementia and the individual’s specific needs and symptoms.

The treatment of dementia is a collaborative process, and the treatment plan should be developed in consultation with a health care professional, the individual with dementia, and their caregivers.

The goal of this treatment is to maintain as much independence as possible. Several treatments including medications, therapies and lifestyle changes can help individuals with dementia and their caregivers manage symptoms of dementia.

Here’s a closer look at some of the common treatments of dementia.

Medications

There are several medications that can help manage the symptoms of dementia, such as cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine. These medications can help improve memory and cognitive function. Antipsychotics can help manage behavioral and psychological symptoms.

Before taking any medications, be sure to consult your loved one’s health care providers. They might also prescribe medications to treat other symptoms or conditions of dementia, such as depression, sleep disturbances, hallucinations, parkinsonism or agitation.

Therapies And Support Groups

Cognitive stimulation therapy has been shown to help improve cognitive function. It includes several group sessions a week that aim to engage people with dementia in themed activities.

An occupational therapist can show you how to make your home safer and teach coping behaviors for your loved one. The purpose of this type of therapy is to prevent accidents, manage behavior and prepare you and your loved one for the dementia progression.

People with dementia may need assistance with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation. Supportive therapies, such as counseling or support groups, can help them cope with the emotional and social challenges of living with dementia.

Lifestyle Changes

Changes in lifestyle can help a person with dementia and their caretakers manage their symptoms. Here are a few tips:

Modify their environment.
Clutter and loud noises can make it increasingly difficult for someone with dementia to focus and function. It’s recommended that caretakers keep clutter and noise to a minimum.

It’s also advised to remove objects that could threaten safety, such as knives and car keys. Home monitoring systems can send an alert when someone exits the house and help to prevent wandering.

Simplify tasks.
Complicated tasks can be more difficult to accomplish for anyone, including someone with dementia. Breaking down tasks into simplified steps and focusing on successes, not failures can help. Structure and routine are other ways to reduce confusion in people with dementia.

Enhance communication.
Maintain eye contact when you’re talking with your loved one. Speaking slowly, using clear, simple sentences can help enhance communications.

Be sure to take your time, and don’t present more than one idea or instruction at a time. Using gestures and other physical cues like pointing to options can also help.

Encourage exercise.
Exercise improves strength, balance and cardiovascular health, and it’s recommended for people with dementia. Exercise might also help with symptoms of restlessness as a result of dementia.

Some research also shows that physical activity might slow the progression of impaired thinking in people with Alzheimer’s disease, and it can lessen symptoms of depression.

Engage in activities.
Ask yourself, what does your loved one enjoy? A person with dementia can often still participate in many of the activities they previous enjoyed, just in modified ways.

Dancing, painting, gardening, cooking, singing and other activities can be fun and help you connect with your loved one.

Establish a nighttime ritual.
Sundowning, also known as late-day confusion, is the name for a group of behaviors that people with dementia experience as the sun sets. Establishing a going-to-bed ritual that is calming and away from loud noise or activity can help combat these symptoms.

It’s recommended to leave night lights on in the bedroom, hall and bathroom to prevent disorientation. Also, avoid caffeine, discourage napping and encourage exercise to help make it easier to fall asleep at night.