Dementia treatment.

• Dementia treatment requires a holistic multi-disciplinary approach

• Going to see a Neurologist or other Specialist (SOD) just to be given a “memory pill” is not good enough!

• Attention to detail, focusing on general physical and cognitive function, other co-morbidities, Carer stress issues, quality of life is so important

• Reducing adverse drug reactions and drug interactions

• “Memory drugs” that may help slow down the memory decline in 1/3rd of patients.  These are Acetyl Cholinesterase inhibitors, but 1/3rd of patients could get severe nausea and diarrhoea, in which case the drug needs to be ceased.

• These “memory drugs” do not cure the condition, but may slow the down the decline a little, or even make them a little brighter, more interactive, less agitated.

• Dementia may be part of a general neuro-degenerative decline so focus on walking and balance disoders

• Management of postural hypotentsion or low standing blood pressure which is a common complication of dementia and contributes to falls

• Focus on malnutrition

• Assess swallowing safety

• Management of urinary and faecal incontinence which is a common complication of advanced dementia

• Assessing for extra care and Community Aged Care Support Packages at home

• Respite Care to prevent carer burnout

• Arrange Enduring Power of Attorney and Enduring Guardianship to be able to make appropriate legal, financial, medical and life-style decision

• Appropriate expert drug treatment of major behavioural complications can have spectacular improvements to reduce Carer stress, improve comfort, safety and quality of life for the patient, and reduce the need for nursing home placement

For more information read Dr Peter Lipski’s book “Your Elderly Parents Failing Health. Is It Ageing Or A Treatable Condition”.