Goals for the Treatment of Memory Loss, Alzheimer’s Disease, and Dementia




In our experience, treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and other causes of memory loss and dementia is best carried out in a partnership between the patient, his or her caregiver(s), and the clinician. As with most diseases, when the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease is made, the first question that is asked is “What can be done?” As we explain to our patients and families, there are many aspects to treatment ranging from counseling and education to medications that, when skillfully combined, lead to the best outcomes.



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Goals for the Treatment of Memory Loss, Alzheimer’s Disease, and Dementia





  • Treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and other causes of memory loss and dementia is best carried out in a partnership between patient, caregiver, and clinician.



  • Current FDA-approved treatments can help improve or maintain the patient’s cognitive and functional status by “turning back the clock” on memory loss.



  • New, disease-modifying treatments are being developed and may be available soon.



  • Families and other caregivers are helped by treatments that improve the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia.



  • Non-pharmacological strategies can also help compensate for memory loss.





Talking About Treatments for Alzheimer’s Disease


Patients for whom we prescribe a cholinesterase inhibitor such as donepezil (Aricept), memantine (Namenda), or a combination of the two often ask how these medications work and what else can be done. We typically have a discussion with these patients and their families that attempts to incorporate the following points.


Sep 9, 2018 | Posted by in NEUROLOGY | Comments Off on Goals for the Treatment of Memory Loss, Alzheimer’s Disease, and Dementia

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