Dementia is a broad term for a type of condition that refers to various symptoms and specific diseases that mainly involve a decline or loss of memory and movement.
Any form of damage to brain cells can lead to dementia, as it makes it difficult for the brain to properly communicate with others parts of the body. Even though a lot of research is being done in this field, the medical community has not managed to find a definite cure for dementia yet. However, there are various ways in which doctors try to cure the specific symptoms related to a particular type of dementia.
Can It Be Cured?
While some forms of dementia may be curable in terms of keeping the symptoms in check, there is no definite cure in sight yet for most types of dementia. While there have been various trial and error methods in the past to find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease, no attempt has been successful yet.
Most drugs that are prescribed for dementia are done with a view to control the symptoms, and keep them in check. There are certain types of medicinal drugs, also known as cholinesterase inhibitors that can help to stabilize memory and thinking capacities for some time on a temporary basis. However, this is not a long-term cure and cannot help a patient who suffers from memory loss as a result of dementia. These drugs are also not able to reverse any damage that is already done as a result of dementia.
Here is a look at how some forms of dementia react to medication.
1. Dementia With Lewy Bodies
The medications that are prescribed for dementia with Lewy bodies is mainly aimed at taking care of the symptoms, such as hallucinations, delusions and stiffness in the body. But in some cases, where medications such as antipsychotics are used, it has been found that the same can actually worsen some of the symptoms related to mental health. In some cases, it can worsen the symptoms related to physical health.
2. Parkinson’s Disease
In most cases of prescribed medication for Parkinson’s, it has been seen that using cholinesterase inhibitors can actually help to improve some of the symptoms related to cognitive, psychotic as well as behavioural conditions. In the US, rivastigmine, a drug which is otherwise prescribed for patients with Alzheimer’s disease, has been found to improve the cognitive symptoms in those suffering from Parkinson’s.
3. Vascular Dementia
Those who suffer from vascular dementia are often prescribed some medications to help prevent occurrence of stroke. It also helps to keep instances of further brain damage at bay.
4. Frontotemporal Disorder
At the moment, there are no medications that have been deemed safe to work for patients who are affected with frontotemporal disorder. Certain sedatives, antidepressants and other types of medicines used for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease are thought to be of some help in controlling the symptoms for frontotemporal disorder, but there are no definite medicines yet.
Even though there is no cure, timely medical intervention can help to curb the symptoms and keep them in check. Make sure you consult with the doctor when you suspect the first signs of dementia.
