Meta description: Do you care for one of the estimated 564,000 Canadians with dementia? If so, you’ll want to learn about the dementia treatment options available.
Author: Tenille
Topic: senior health
CTA: 10 Early Signs of Dementia
New Dementia Treatment Options Available for Your Loved One
The number of Canadians diagnosed with dementia increases every year. There is an expected increase of 66 percent in the number of Canadians who will live with dementia by 2031. With such a rapidly growing number of people affected, the Canadian healthcare system will need to continue to develop successful treatment options to accommodate this growing demand.
There are currently various dementia treatment options for …show more content…
This medication has also been proven to slow the developing effects of dementia.
In more scientific terms, memantine is a glutamate regulator. Glutamate is a neurotransmitter, which sends signals from the nerve cells to other cells in the brain that aid in information processing, storage, and retrieval. Memantine regulates abnormal glutamate levels, which improves cognitive function and promotes regular brain function.
Memantine can be found as an oral tablet, liquid solution, or slow-release oral capsule. In advanced stages of dementia, memantine in combination with other medications is safe and effective.
Cholinesterase Inhibitors
Like memantine, cholinesterase inhibitors have also shown great results in dementia patients. However, instead of regulating glutamate, cholinesterase inhibitors regulate acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter, which is found in low levels in dementia patients. When levels are low, less communication can occur between nerve cells and other cells in the brain, contributing to memory loss and other symptoms associated with …show more content…
Music Therapy and Other Alternative Therapies
We’ve all heard the saying that music makes you smarter, but is there truth behind that? Studies have shown that music can, in fact, help people with dementia. Music therapy has the ability to improve mood, manage stress, and promote cognitive function in patients with dementia.
There are other forms of alternative therapies including aroma and pet therapy, which some believe to be effective dementia treatments. There is not enough scientific research on these therapies, however, to prove whether or not these treatments work.
It is essential to note that alternative therapies should be used to supplement prescription medications. While your senior loved one may enjoy music and it may improve their demeanor, it’s important when creating a treatment plan that you don’t rely solely on alternative measures.
Non-Memory Loss Related Medications
When it comes to dementia patients, memory loss isn’t the only thing you need to be concerned about. Dementia can cause your loved ones to develop psychosis, which may be treated with various antipsychotic