10 Things to Know about Medications for Dementia

Originally posted in the Bambu Care Champions community.

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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.

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2. The currently approved FDA medications may slow down the progression of dementia symptoms, but they do not prolong life or reverse cognitive decline.

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3. Most FDA medications are only approved for the treatment of dementia symptoms associated with Alzheimer's disease.

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4. Rivastigmine is the only FDA-approved medication for Parkinson’s disease dementia.

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5. At this time, there are no medications specifically indicated for cognitive impairment in Vascular Dementia or Frontotemporal Dementia.

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6. Traditional antipsychotics (such as haloperidol, fluphenazine or thioridazine) should be avoided for those with Lewy Body Dementia.

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7. Both typical and atypical antipsychotics are associated with an increased risk of mortality and morbidity in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis.

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8. No matter how beneficial medications are supposed to be, all have the potential for adverse side effects.

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9. Always keep the doctor informed about any side effects including changes in your partner's behavior.

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10. Non-pharmacological interventions are always recommended as first-line treatments for non-cognitive, behavioral, or psychological symptoms of dementia.

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