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[Modern therapy for dementia]
F Padberg1, H J Möller, R Bottlender
1Oberarzt der Klinik fur Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, LMU München. padberg@med.uni-muenchen.de
MMW Fortschritte Der Medizin
|June 23, 2005
Summary
Cholinesterase inhibitors show effectiveness for Alzheimer disease, vascular dementia, and dementia with Lewy bodies. Treatment also addresses behavioral disorders common in moderate to severe dementia stages.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
Context:
- Alzheimer disease (AD), vascular dementia (VD), and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) are common dementia diagnoses.
- Current AD treatments include cholinesterase (ChE) inhibitors and memantine.
- VD therapy focuses on primary disease management and preventing cerebrovascular accidents.
Purpose:
- To review the current treatment landscape for major dementia types.
- To highlight the potential of ChE inhibitors for VD and DLB.
- To emphasize the importance of managing non-cognitive symptoms in dementia.
Summary:
- ChE inhibitors and memantine are standard for AD treatment.
- While not FDA-approved for VD and DLB, ChE inhibitors demonstrate efficacy in clinical studies for these conditions.
- Non-cognitive symptoms, or behavioral disorders, are prevalent and require specific treatment, with newer medications replacing older ones.
Impact:
- Suggests ChE inhibitors could be beneficial for a wider range of dementia patients.
- Underscores the need for comprehensive dementia care, including management of behavioral disturbances.
- Informs clinical practice regarding medication choices for dementia and associated symptoms.