Treatment of senile dementia with medications

The treatment regimen for senile dementia usually includes the use of neuroprotective agents that improve metabolic processes in the brain. If there is a connection between dementia and other disease processes in the body, then their direct treatment is carried out at the first stage.

To normalize cognitive functions, calcium channel blockers are prescribed - for example, Cinnarizine or nootropic agents. If the patient has long-term depression, then antidepressants are necessarily included in the therapeutic regimen. To ensure brain protection, treatment is supplemented with disaggregants and anticoagulants.

The doctor gives a separate point of recommendations regarding a healthy lifestyle. It is important to completely eliminate alcohol and cigarettes, establish a proper and healthy diet. If possible, special attention should be paid to daily activity, walking, doing gymnastics in the fresh air.

Medicines are prescribed primarily to eliminate or alleviate individual symptoms. If the patient has excessive unmotivated anxiety, insomnia, hallucinogenic states, the doctor may prescribe psychotropic medications.

Medicines

For the treatment of senile dementia, a combination of Akatinol memantine with one of the drugs that inhibit acetylcholinesterase (these drugs are represented by the well-known Rivastigmine, as well as Galantamine, Donepezil) is most often used. The listed medications are prescribed indefinitely.

Akatinol memantine	Improves metabolic processes in the brain, facilitates the work of the nervous system. Has a positive effect on memory and concentration, helps to root everyday skills. The drug is taken 10 mg twice a day. Side effects are considered rare. Akatinol memantine can be used to improve the condition of patients with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, vascular and mixed forms of dementia.
Rivastigmine	In the pharmacy network, this drug is represented by Alcenorm. The active component of the drug inhibits the breakdown of acetylcholine, improves its accumulation in brain structures, facilitating the transmission of nerve impulses. Rivastigmine optimizes the processes of memorization, speech and reaction speed, corrects mental and behavioral disorders. The drug is taken 1.5-6 mg twice a day, with a gradual increase in dosage.
Exelon patch	The Exelon patch is one of the forms of Rivastigmine, with gradual transdermal delivery of the active component into the body. The product is applied to the skin of the back, chest or forearms, changing it daily at the same time. It is allowed to take a shower and bathe with the patch applied - this does not affect the properties of the drug. The exception is visiting a sauna or bathhouse.

Other medications that are often prescribed to patients with dementia include:

• Cerebrolysin, which contains free amino acids and low-molecular peptides, has a multifaceted effect on brain activity. The drug protects nerve cells from damage, normalizes intracerebral metabolic processes, facilitates learning and memorization of information. Cerebrolysin is administered intravenously, daily for a month. The effect of the drug is cumulative.
• Actovegin is similar in effect to the previous drug. It improves cellular glucose transport and oxygen supply to tissues. During treatment, cognitive abilities improve in patients with senile dementia, and the symptoms of the disease become less pronounced. Actovegin is prescribed according to the following scheme: the patient is administered the drug intravenously for the first 14 days, then the drip administration is replaced by a tablet form of the drug.

Haloperidol

At the stage of moderate manifestations, senile dementia is often accompanied by psychotic symptoms - for example, patients experience delirium, hallucinatory states, and psychomotor hyperexcitability. In such a situation, doctors may prescribe Haloperidol, a neuroleptic belonging to the butyrophenone group. The drug reduces the effect of excitement, eliminates behavioral disorders, and eliminates aggressiveness. The dosage of Haloperidol is determined individually, taking into account the patient's age, the degree of manifestation of symptoms, and the patient's previous reaction to taking other neuroleptic drugs.

With prolonged use of this drug, tardive dyskinesia may develop. This condition is characterized by rhythmic unconscious mobility of the tongue, jaw, and face. If there is a suspicion of the development of tardive dyskinesia, then treatment with Haloperidol should be stopped immediately.

In sensitive patients, a subjective feeling of inhibition (“stupefaction”) may occur during treatment. Dizziness, headaches, anxiety, and sleep disturbances are also often observed. The decision to discontinue treatment with Haloperidol in such a situation is made only by the attending physician.

Sedatives for senile dementia

Senile dementia is often accompanied by worsening sleep, the development of depression or aggressive states, the appearance of hallucinations, etc. Such conditions need to be corrected, as they worsen the patient's well-being and accelerate the course of dementia. The following drugs can be used as suitable drugs:

• Phenazepam - this medication belongs to the group of benzodiazepines, and has a tranquilizing, muscle relaxant, sedative and hypnotic effect. In senile dementia, this drug is taken only as prescribed by a doctor and only in extreme cases - for emergency relief of anxiety syndrome, in a psychopathic state, etc. Phenazepam is taken once, since long-term treatment can only worsen the clinical picture of dementia.
• Phenibut is a nootropic drug and does not have a direct calming effect. However, this drug successfully relieves restless and anxious states, eliminates insomnia, prevents stressful situations, and reduces emotional activity. With prolonged use, Phenibut improves physical and intellectual performance indicators.
• Thioridazine (Sonapax) is an antipsychotic drug with all neuroleptic properties. The drug has a weak antidepressant effect, improves the patient's well-being in neuroses, fears, anxiety attacks, sleep disorders, obsessive states. Thioridazine also helps with motor hyperexcitability, depression; it can be used for mixed-type senile dementia, as well as Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. The drug copes well with sleep inversion (when the patient wanders aimlessly at night and sleeps during the day).

All of the listed medications have a powerful sedative and therapeutic effect, and should only be prescribed by a doctor who will determine the dosage based on individual indicators.

Vitamins

Of course, it is better if a person gets all the essential vitamins from food. However, this is possible if the body is young and healthy. Elderly people suffering from senile dementia already have numerous health problems that can negatively affect the absorption and assimilation of vitamins and minerals. Therefore, it is better for old people to take ready-made pharmacy multivitamin-mineral complexes.

• "Alphabet 50+" consists of thirteen vitamins and nine basic minerals, selected in a dosage optimal for elderly people. It is recommended to take three tablets of different colors daily.
• "Vitrum Centuri" contains thirteen vitamin and seventeen mineral components. The drug is designed for older people and is labeled "50+". The tablet is taken daily, once a day, for 3-4 months.
• "Centrum Silver" is considered a multi-component drug, which contains more than three dozen vitamins and minerals. Regular intake of the complex slows down age-related processes, improves cognitive abilities, and improves the condition of blood vessels. Take one tablet daily with food for 1-2 months.

Before choosing a multivitamin complex, it is better to get advice from a doctor first. This will help to avoid overdose, which in old age can lead to problems such as headaches, nausea, kidney dysfunction, and metabolic disorders.

Physiotherapy treatment

In case of movement disorders, changes in muscle tone, muscle rigidity and tremors of the limbs, and coordination disorders due to senile dementia, additional non-drug treatment is recommended, including exercise therapy, massage, and physiotherapy.

Complex therapeutic physical training is the implementation of special dosed exercises aimed at stabilizing muscle tone and coordination. Systematic exercises also help prevent the development of joint contractures.

The main exercises of physical therapy for senile dementia are:

• muscle relaxation, breathing exercises;
• strengthening motor coordination;
• development of facial muscles;
• stretching exercises.

Therapeutic physical training normalizes muscle tone, improves posture, and eliminates tremors. Thanks to regular exercise, the patient begins to understand and accept his physical capabilities, which motivates him to continue his activities.

Massage procedures enhance motor activity, improve overall well-being, and enhance blood circulation in the extremities. Each procedure should consist of several elements of stroking, warming up, rubbing, followed by vibration and displacement. Sessions are repeated once every two days, the total number of procedures is from ten to fourteen.

Physiotherapy methods for senile dementia help improve metabolic processes and blood circulation, and have a reflex effect on brain functions. After a course of physiotherapy procedures, motor activity improves, depressive states are alleviated, and mental function is optimized.

The most effective procedures are considered to be:

• hydrotherapy, medicinal baths;
• muscle electrical stimulation;
• electrosleep.

Physiotherapy slows the progression of senile dementia, especially in the presence of contraindications to drug treatment.

Folk remedies

Such a disease as senile dementia has been known for a long time - even before the possibility of using full-fledged medicinal treatment appeared. Previously, the patient was relieved of suffering mainly by folk methods, which are often used today.

A huge number of folk methods of treatment are based on aromatherapy - the healing effect of aromas on the disease. Useful substances can penetrate the patient's body through inhalation of vapors, during water procedures. It is allowed to simply apply aromatic essential oil to the skin.

Aromas can both calm and stimulate, or excite. In senile dementia, it is preferable to use aromas with a calming effect: lemon balm, lavender, mint, etc. Massage with the addition of essential oils has a special effect.

To eliminate aggression and calm the nervous system, doctors recommend using sound therapy. Sounds are not only music. The patient is often offered to listen to birds singing, the sound of rain or the friction of waves on the sand. If these are pieces of music, then light ones, with elements of classics. Specialists have found that in some cases, sound therapy can replace taking sedatives.

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Herbal treatment

The use of medicinal plants is another addition from traditional medicine to the main treatment. Today, doctors advise paying attention to the following herbal preparations for senile dementia:

• Ginkgo biloba (Biloba) is a relict plant that often serves as the basis for the production of many drugs that normalize brain function.
• Elecampane root, hawthorn berries, aniseed lofant – these plants are most often in demand for the treatment of atherosclerosis and high blood pressure – diseases that can cause the development of senile dementia.
• Sage is a well-known antiseptic that, when taken internally, can have a positive effect on the process of memorizing information.

After consulting with a doctor, you can offer a patient with dementia other medicinal herbs, for example:

• lemongrass herb;
• blueberry fruits and leaves;
• rowan bark and berries;
• mint and lemon balm leaves;
• valerian rhizome;
• Ephedra bispica.

Homeopathy

Along with conservative therapy, homeopathic remedies are particularly effective and can only be prescribed by a homeopathic physician. This type of treatment is based on the effect of extremely small doses of herbal preparations on the body. In senile dementia, the following homeopathic remedies can be used:

• Cholesterinum – in addition to effectively normalizing cholesterol levels in the blood, this drug calms the nervous system and improves the quality of sleep;
• Aurum iodatum and Barium carbonicum – improve blood circulation in the brain;
• Conium – normalizes cerebral circulation;
• Krategus – improves the functioning of the cardiovascular system and blood circulation in the brain;
• Arnica – activates blood supply to the brain.

In case of severe vascular disorders, you can choose such drugs as Nervoheel, Cerebrum compositum, Ubiquinone compositum, Coenzyme compositum. Monodrugs are also considered effective: Ginkgo biloba, Lachesis, Helleborus, Botrops, etc. The dosage is calculated after an individual consultation with a doctor.