Treatment for dementia often relies on treating the underlying cause. If dementia is caused by medication interactions or drug or alcohol abuse, it may be possible to reverse the dementia by no longer taking the medication or substance. In some cases, dementia caused by a brain tumor or lesion may be treated and resolved by removing the tumor or lesion. However the damage the tumor or lesion caused to brain tissues and function can be permanent.

In the case of progressive dementias or dementias that are caused by brain injury, there is rarely a cure. However, there are treatment options available that can minimize or stabilize patients’ symptoms and in some cases delay the necessity of nursing home care.

There are certain medications that a physician may prescribe to try to reduce the symptoms of dementia. Some of these medications are designed to maintain the levels of a neurotransmitter in the brain called acetylcholine, which is important for brain function. Other medications work to regulate the function of the neurotransmitter glutamate, which is important for learning and memory.

Behavioral or psychiatric symptoms due to dementia may first be treated with non-drug methods. This usually includes identifying the trigger for the symptoms and attempting to resolve it. Many times this involves making adjustments to the environment that the patient lives in – for example, simplifying the environment or increasing the time between stimulating events (e.g. bath-time, getting dressed).

In addition to non-drug methods, a physician may recommend certain medications to control behavioral or psychiatric symptoms. It is important that these medications be used according to physician instructions. People with dementia are more likely to experience severe side effects from these medications than other people. Medications that may be prescribed for patients with behavioral or psychiatric symptoms include:

• Antidepressants to treat depression and low moods
  
  
• Anti-anxiety medications to treat anxiety or verbally disruptive behavior
  
  
• Anti-psychotic medication to treat hallucinations, delusions or aggression
  
  
• Sedatives to treat sleep problems

Some companies market herbal supplements as alternative treatment methods for dementia. However, in most cases, these treatments have not been thoroughly tested. In addition, unlike prescribed medication, they have not been approved and are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is important to discuss the use of alternative treatment methods with a physician before they are started. Some alternative remedies could interact with prescribed medication or lead to more serious health complaints.