10 Things to Know about Medications for Dementia
Originally posted in the Bambu Care Champions community.
10 important things to know about medications for people living with dementia.
1. There are no curative medical treatments for the progressive cognitive and functional impairments associated with dementia.
2. The currently approved FDA medications may slow down the progression of dementia symptoms, but they do not prolong life or reverse cognitive decline.
3. Most FDA medications are only approved for the treatment of dementia symptoms associated with Alzheimer's disease.
4. Rivastigmine is the only FDA-approved medication for Parkinson’s disease dementia.
5. At this time, there are no medications specifically indicated for cognitive impairment in Vascular Dementia or Frontotemporal Dementia.
6. Traditional antipsychotics (such as haloperidol, fluphenazine or thioridazine) should be avoided for those with Lewy Body Dementia.
7. Both typical and atypical antipsychotics are associated with an increased risk of mortality and morbidity in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis.
8. No matter how beneficial medications are supposed to be, all have the potential for adverse side effects.
9. Always keep the doctor informed about any side effects including changes in your partner's behavior.
10. Non-pharmacological interventions are always recommended as first-line treatments for non-cognitive, behavioral, or psychological symptoms of dementia.
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