Medical treatment and management of patients with dementia

Dening, Tom; Babu Sandilyan, Malarvizhi

Abstract

This article, the fifth in a series on dementia, discusses the principles of management and treatment of people with dementia. It describes how to proceed after a diagnosis of dementia has been made in the early stages of the condition, and general measures to maintain physical and mental health. Drug therapy for cognitive dysfunction is explained in the context of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidance, and strategies for managing depression and psychotic symptoms are outlined. Non-pharmacological approaches are often effective. For behavioural problems such as agitation and aggression, it is important to try to understand any underlying factors. In general, the most important strategy is to avoid excessive prescribing.

Citation

Dening, T., & Babu Sandilyan, M. (2015). Medical treatment and management of patients with dementia. Nursing Standard, 29(45), 43-49. https://doi.org/10.7748/ns.29.45.43.e9424

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Sep 1, 2014
• Publication Date: Jul 8, 2015
• Deposit Date: Jul 30, 2023
• Journal: Nursing Standard
• Print ISSN: 0029-6570
• Electronic ISSN: 2047-9018
• Publisher: RCN Publishing
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 29
• Issue: 45
• Pages: 43-49
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.7748/ns.29.45.43.e9424
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/17090139