what is the best treatment for elderly dementia patients

What is the most effective treatment for dementia?

Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors Donepezil (also known as Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon) and galantamine (Reminyl) are used to treat the symptoms of mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. Donepezil is also used to treat more severe Alzheimer's disease.

How do you treat an elderly person with dementia?

Dementia - home careHelp the person stay calm and oriented.Make dressing and grooming easier.Talk to the person.Help with memory loss.Manage behavior and sleep problems.Encourage activities that are both stimulating and enjoyable.

What type of therapy helps dementia?

Cognitive rehabilitation. This type of rehab helps people in the early stages of dementia maintain memory and cognitive function for as long as possible.

What is the life expectancy of an elderly person with dementia?

The average life expectancy figures for the most common types of dementia are as follows: Alzheimer's disease – around eight to 10 years. Life expectancy is less if the person is diagnosed in their 80s or 90s. A few people with Alzheimer's live for longer, sometimes for 15 or even 20 years.

When should dementia patients go into care?

"Someone with dementia symptoms may forget where they've walked, and end up somewhere they don't recognize," Healy says. "When your loved ones are continually putting their physical safety at risk, it's time to consider memory care." 3. A decline in physical health.

Are dementia patients better at home?

Do Dementia Patients Do Better at Home? The biggest advantage of home care is that it allows elders to remain in their own homes for as long as possible. This option is far less disorienting for a dementia patient than a move to an assisted living facility, a memory care unit or a nursing home.

What is the best natural treatment for dementia?

Natural health productsGinkgo biloba. This plant extract, rich in antioxidants, is said to treat dementia symptoms through its anti-inflammatory effects.Melatonin. Melatonin supplements are used to improve sleep, and may, theoretically, prevent the progression of dementia.Omega-3 fatty acid.

How do you stop dementia from progressing?

This means you can help reduce your risk of dementia by:eating a healthy, balanced diet.maintaining a healthy weight.exercising regularly.keeping alcohol within recommended limits.stopping smoking.keeping your blood pressure at a healthy level.

What are good activities for dementia patients?

Do something personal.Give the person a hand massage with lotion.Brush his or her hair.Give the person a manicure.Take photos of the person and make a collage.Encourage the person to talk more about subjects they enjoy.Make a family tree posterboard.

How long can an 85 year old live with dementia?

The 50% survival time in men was 4.3 years (95% CI, 2.4-6.8 years) in mild dementia, 2.8 years (95% CI, 1.5-3.5 years) in moderate dementia, and 1.4 years (95% CI, 0.7-1.8 years) in severe dementia, and in women, 5.0 years (95% CI, 4.5-6.3 years) in mild dementia, 2.8 years (95% CI, 1.8-3.8 years) in moderate dementia, ...

How do you know what stage of dementia you have?

Stages of DementiaNo impairment. Someone at this stage will show no symptoms, but tests may reveal a problem.Very mild decline. You may notice slight changes in behavior, but your loved one will still be independent.Mild decline. ... Moderate decline. ... Moderately severe decline. ... Severe decline. ... Very severe decline.

What's the most common cause of death for dementia patients?

One of the most common causes of death for people with dementia is pneumonia caused by an infection. A person in the later stages of dementia may have symptoms that suggest that they are close to death, but can sometimes live with these symptoms for many months.