Table 2.

Management of dementia: eight intervention areas to be addressed.

(i) Pharmaceutical interventions
(medications that may provide symptom relief for cognitive, emotional, and behavioral issues)
Donepezil
Rivastigmine
Galantamine
Memantine
Psychotropic (antidepressants, antianxiety, mood stabilizer, antipsychotic)
(ii) Nutraceutical interventions
(dietary supplements still in research stages)
Omega 3
Curcumin
Vitamin D
Alpha GPC
Phosphatidylserine
Choline
(iii) Medical foods interventions
(prescriptive)
Axona
CerefolinNAC
Souvenaid (not currently available in the USA)
(iv) Neurophysiological interventions
(still in research stages)
Cranioelectric stimulation
Transcranial magnetic stimulation
Neurofeedback
Laser light therapy
(v) Physical health interventions
Aerobic exercise
Medical management of disease
Diabetes
Hypertension
Hyperlipidemia
(vi) Cognitive interventions
Mental exercises/hobbies
Compensatory memory strategies and aids
Cognitive training
(vii) Behavioral interventions
(strategies to manage factors such as wandering, sundowning, agitation, disorientation, affective disinhibition, stubbornness, paranoia, irritability, apathy, and restlessness)
Occupational therapy safety assessment of home
Low stress calming environment
Regular sleep and meal schedules
Redirection and distraction
Minimization of unexpected changes in environment
Patient counseling and support groups in early stages
Caregiver strategies and resources through support groups and internet
In-home aide/assistant
Outpatient day program with all inclusive care
assisted living facility
(viii) Future planning interventions
Caregiver counseling to aid in life planning and decision making
Legal services for guardianship and capacity
Financial advisor for estate planning