Preventing Dementia

Like other chronic illnesses or ‘lifestyle diseases’, preventing dementia involves a healthy diet, regular exercise and active care of your emotional and mental state.

 

Treatment of Dementia

Treating dementia requires a holistic, team approach. Medication, although it is important, should not be the only form of treatment.

Medication:

There are 3 licensed medications for the treatment of the above types of Dementia:

1. Donepezil (brand names: Aricept, Palixid and Yasnal-Q)
2. Rivastigmine (brand name Exelon)
3. Galantamine (brand name Reminyl)

These medications have been proven to:

• Slow down the progression of the illness- however, they cannot cure the illness.
• Reduce the person’s chances of developing severe symptoms (like hallucinations and paranoia)
• Reduce the harshness of symptoms they experience

Psychologists

Psychology is a very healthy way of talking through difficult situations to help persons cope with issues happening in their lives. This is particularly useful to help persons understand what a diagnosis of dementia can mean for then, or to help family members cope with the disease when things are stressful and they feel frustrated.

Speech & Language Pathologists

These professionals are very useful for stroke and dementia patients. They are trained in helping people with communication issues or swallowing problems.

​Occupational Therapists

Occupational Therapy is very important for persons who have fallen ill and can no longer go about their daily tasks the way they used to. Occupational Therapists assist with increasing a person’s independence and confidence by helping them to adapt and learn how to do day to day tasks such as bathing, dressing and hobbies even though they are ill.