Dementia Drugs
Medications used in the treatment of dementia fall into two main categories, those that aim to slow the progression of the disease symptoms (see below), and those that your doctor thinks may help make the illness easier to live with. You may also be interested to read the factsheet about drugs used to relieve the impact of dementia symptoms.
Drug Treatments for Alzheimer's Disease
At present no drug treatments can provide a cure for Alzheimer's disease. However in recent years several drugs (Aricept, Exelon, and Reminyl), have been developed that assist the transmission of nerve impulses within the brain. For some people these drugs will temporarily slow the progression of Alzheimer's symptoms in the early stages of the disease.
There is also a newer drug, called Ebixa, that works in a different way, and may slow progression of Alzheimer's symptoms later in the disease, but this in not available on the NHS unless as part of a clinical trial.
More information on all four of these medications can be found on this factsheet. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence panel has decided not to change the original guidance stating that Alzheimer's drugs should only be prescribed to people in the 'moderate' stages of the disease, and not in the early or later stages.
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), is a government advisory committee that has the responsibility of recommending whether or not the dementia drugs remain available on the NHS. Your doctor should be able to advise you about the current guidance. If the drug your doctor recommends is not currently available on the NHS, private prescriptions can be obtained from consultants, GPs or private hospitals (costs may vary).
The Royal College of Psychiatrists public information leaflet Drug Treatment of Alzheimer's disease has information on these drugs, and also includes information about other possible treatments.
Repeat Prescriptions, Collection Services, and Dossette Boxes
Remembering to take medication at the right time, or to reorder regular medications before they run out, can be difficult. Ask your doctor’s surgery or pharmacy about how repeat prescriptions and prescription collection services might make getting your medication easier.
The chemist should also be able to advise you about dossette boxes, which are special boxes with separate pill compartments for different times of the day and days of the week. These can help people to remember to take tablets at the right time. Automatic versions are also available; the dispenser beeps and a small opening allows access to the tablets when they are due to be taken. There are medication reminders and dispensers on the ‘atdementia’ product pages http://www.atdementia.org.uk
A number of books are also available. An excellent title you can view online, and print off if desired (36 pages), is The milk's in the oven.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Some people feel that complementary or alternative medicine could help people with dementia. Complementary and alternative therapies include aromatherapy massage, music therapy, and nutritional supplements. More information is available in the Alzheimer's Society Factsheet Complementary therapies and dementia.
Music Therapy Services
Please contact Guideposts Trust in Oxfordshire for more information about Music Therapy Services. Call them on 01993 772886.
