Where we stand with treating dementia

Our aging population is growing. As a result, dementia is becoming an ever more prevalent problem--with devastating consequences to the affected persons and their families. In the evaluation of the demented patient, it is crucial to look for and exclude conditions such as depression and other reversible causes of cognitive impairment before branding the patient with a diagnosis of dementia. Drug treatment of AD is not highly successful, although the Food and Drug Administration has approved acetylcholinesterase inhibitors for the treatment of mild to moderate AD. Present-day treatment for dementia focuses mainly on improving or preserving the quality of life of patients and their families, and on treating concomitant psychosocial, behavioral, and medical issues. We are optimistic that new, innovative medications may in the future allow us to treat or even cure Alzheimer's disease and other progressive dementing disorders.