If detected early enough, depending upon the type of dementia diagnosed, the condition may be reversed with patience, persistence, proper nutrition and cognitive stimulation. Although there is no outright cure for dementia, the goal of treatment is to control the symptoms of dementia, but the treatment varies with each specific disorder. In some cases, hospitalization may be needed for a short time.

Treat the Underlying Cause

Where possible, treatment of dementia begins with treatment of the underlying disease. All underlying causes should be identified and treated, including treatment for reversible organic lesions such as tumors. Some underlying causes may be reversible to some extent, such as nutritional, hormonal, tumor-caused and drug-related dementia. The kind of treatment for stroke-related dementia begins by minimizing risk of further strokes. This can be accomplished through smoking cessation, aspirin therapy, and treatment of hypertension. There is no therapeutic regimen that can reverse the progression of Alzheimer's disease. To date, aspirin, estrogen, vitamin E, and selegiline are currently being evaluated for their ability to slow the rate of progression.

Plan for Changes; Anticipate the Inevitable

Caring for a person with dementia can be difficult and complex. Family members or other caregivers must assume increasing responsibility for the person's physical needs while the patient learns to cope with functional and cognitive limitations. Unfortunately, the patient may become completely dependent upon the caregiver in progressive dementias such as Alzheimer's disease. In time, proper education of the patient and family early on in the disease progression can help them anticipate and plan for inevitable changes.

Treating the Symptoms

The symptoms of dementia may be treated with a combination of environmental modifications, medication and psychotherapy. Drug therapy, however, can be a challenge to the dementia patient, especially if the prescribed drug must be taken several times daily. Behavioral approaches may be used to reduce the frequency or severity of problem behaviors, such as socially inappropriate conduct or aggression. Problem behavior may be a reaction to over-stimulation, or just plain frustration. Understanding and modifying the situations that trigger it can be effective. Strategies of dealing with these behaviors may include breaking down complex tasks, such as dressing or feeding, into simpler steps, or reducing the amount of activity in the environment to avoid confusion and agitation. Patients may obtain therapeutic stimulation and an improved mood during or after pleasurable activities, such as crafts, games, and music.Measures that can be taken to help the quality of life for the dementia patient include modifying the environment to increase safety and comfort or positioning the bed in view of the bathroom to decrease incontinence. Other treatments can include a pharmaceutical drug regimen, which can be effective, but not without significant side effects.

Natural Treatments

Natural treatments may include ginkgo extract, derived from the leaves of the Ginkgo biloba tree. This herb interferes with a circulatory protein called platelet-activating factor. It is said that the herb also increases circulation and oxygenation to the brain. Ginkgo extract has been used for many years in China and is widely prescribed in Europe for treatment of circulatory problems. According to a1997 study of patients with dementia, gingko extract seemed to improve their symptoms, though the study was criticized for certain flaws in its method. Other interventions of dementia may include: vitamin supplements, hypertension medication, abstaining from alcohol, avoiding medication with dementia side-effects, tranquilizers to treat anxiety, and antidepressants to prevent depression-caused dementia.