Here’s The Latest Research On How To Treat Dementia

Cognitive decline as individuals age can be challenging to cope with. When this process is caused by irreversible medical conditions, it can be scary to accept, whether for the individual or their loved ones. Dementia is one form of cognitive decline caused by illnesses like these, often becoming fatal. Researchers continue to study the possibility of a cure, although one does not exist. Understanding dementia research can be a step toward prevention, treatment, and support, as slowing symptoms may be possible with early intervention. 

What is dementia? 

Dementia, now formally referred to as major neurocognitive disorder, is a progressive brain disease characterized by substantial cognitive decline. As the disease progresses, individuals gradually lose independence until they are entirely dependent on caregivers for survival. In the past, dementia was seen as an inevitable reality of aging, but modern research indicates that dementia symptoms are not a normal part of aging. In the 21st century, dementia is seen as a disease that warrants treatment to stop or slow its progression. 

Defining terminology 

Confusion exists surrounding the terms used to describe dementia and related conditions. The term “dementia” is no longer professionally used, being replaced by the term “major neurocognitive disorder” (MND). Similarly, the term “Alzheimer’s” was once used in reference to all forms of dementia. In the present, Alzheimer’s disease is known professionally as major neurocognitive disease due to Alzheimer's, referring to a specific type of dementia. Given the relative popularity of the terms, this article will use “dementia” to refer to MND due to any cause and the term “Alzheimer’s” to refer to MND due to Alzheimer’s.

Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 70% to 80% of all cases. Due to the substantial prevalence of the condition, most of the research surrounding dementia has focused on Alzheimer’s. The Alzheimer’s Association, an organization that advocates for research into all types of dementia, reports that $3.8 billion is spent on dementia research annually, increasing sevenfold since 2011. The significant contributions to dementia research may be due to an increasingly aging population and technological advances in detecting and treating the disease. 

Common types of dementia

Alzheimer’s may be the most common and well-researched form of dementia, but other forms can also have significant impacts on one’s life. Non-Alzheimer’s types of dementia require their own research, diagnostic approaches, and treatment directions. However, research dedicated to Alzheimer’s has proven beneficial when considering other types of dementia. A brief overview of the most common dementia types can be found below.  

Alzheimer’s dementia (MND due to Alzheimer’s)

As the disease progresses, a person may struggle to recognize friends and family, becoming more dependent on caregivers. In the late stage of the disease, the person may not be able to communicate at all and is often entirely dependent on caregivers for survival. 

Frontotemporal dementia (major frontotemporal neurocognitive disorder) 

Frontotemporal disorders (FTD) are diagnosed when brain cells in the frontal and temporal lobes begin to atrophy due to the accumulation of malformed proteins. FTD can impact people in their 40s or 50s, much earlier than what is typical with Alzheimer’s. Those with the condition experience progressive difficulty with planning and organization, problems controlling body movements, and difficulty speaking or understanding speech. 

Lewy body dementia (MND with Lewy bodies)

Lewy body dementia (LBD) occurs when clumps of protein, known as Lewy bodies, interfere with neural communication in the brain. LBD is characterized by trouble concentrating, disorganization, hallucinations, and irrational thoughts. Movement problems like a loss of coordination are also common. Sleep disorders commonly develop. 

Other types of dementia 

A defining feature of the common dementias listed above is that they are all caused by the accumulation of misfolded proteins in the brain. Other types of dementia are typically caused by an injury or underlying medical condition. For example, vascular dementia (major vascular neurocognitive disorder), the second most common type of dementia, is caused by a condition that disrupts blood flow in the brain, like blood clots. 

Treatment for dementia caused by traumatic brain injury or underlying medical conditions often differs considerably from treatments aimed at Alzheimer’s, frontotemporal dementia, or Lewy body dementia. Vascular neurocognitive disorder, for instance, is often managed by treatments that improve blood flow to the brain, such as medication to regulate blood pressure and lifestyle changes. 

Mild neurocognitive disorder

Some declines in memory and cognition as a person ages are common and do not amount to dementia. Another condition, mild neurocognitive disorder, more commonly known as mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or age-related cognitive decline, is characterized by memory and thinking problems that are not severe enough to warrant a diagnosis of dementia. Those with MCI may lose items more often, struggle to come up with words, and forget important events. 

MCI is not the same as dementia, and only about 10% of those with the condition go on to meet the criteria for a diagnosis of dementia. Still, MCI can be a sign of early Alzheimer's disease, and a mental health professional can evaluate any sign of cognitive impairment.

Treating dementia

An enormous amount of research has gone into treating dementia, offering new strategies for diagnosis and ways to slow the condition. However, despite efforts, it is not yet possible to stop or reverse the progression of the disease. Most of the treatment for dementia focuses on supportive care and ensuring that the person with the condition has adequate support to remain healthy in their environment for as long as possible. 

Medications for dementia 

Medications exist to treat Alzheimer’s disease. The newest medications remove some beta-amyloid plaques from the brain, a known cause of Alzheimer’s symptoms. While this treatment cannot reverse the degradation that has already occurred, it can slow the cognitive and functional decline associated with the disease. 

Other types of dementia may require medication to manage underlying conditions. For example, those with dementia due to vascular problems often require medication to improve cardiovascular health and maximize blood flow to the brain. Another example is dementia due to Parkinson’s, which often requires medication specifically for Parkinson’s disease dementia, such as L-dopa, a dopamine precursor that may treat movement symptoms. 

Medication may also be used to help the person diagnosed get enough sleep, manage depression or other psychiatric concerns, or address other aspects of brain health. Medications may also be used to manage other risk factors as a person’s cognitive abilities decline. 

Behavioral treatments

Although research into medical interventions for dementia continues, there is no comprehensive medical solution. Instead, research has indicated that several types of behavioral therapy have the potential to benefit dementia patients in coping with mental health challenges. These therapies may involve the person diagnosed and caregivers to relieve the burden on the person with dementia. 

One type of therapy, problem adaptation therapy (PATH), has become especially popular as a method to reduce depression and disability in those with dementia. Depression is a common problem among dementia patients, and depression may substantially quicken the pace at which cognition declines. The PATH treatment assigns a therapist to a person with dementia and their caregiver. The therapist works with the individual to teach compensatory strategies, such as using a calendar, to help them augment their brain function. Caregivers are taught how to support the individual and how to encourage them to use problem-solving and compensatory strategies. 

One study of the PATH approach found that participants experienced a 43% decrease in depression symptoms and a 93% reduction in disability after 12 weeks. Strategies that improve a person’s independence may be beneficial, as they could allow a person with dementia to remain at home longer and give them more opportunities for autonomy. 

Caregiver support

One of the most significant risk factors for dementia is a lack of support from caregivers. Many people with dementia are cared for by friends and family during the early and middle stages of the illness, although they may require more intensive care in the late stages. Caregivers often assist in dementia treatment by helping the person diagnosed remain active, reminding them of enjoyable memories, and keeping them cognitively engaged with different activities. 

Caregivers are faced with substantial challenges when helping a person with dementia. The work is not only cognitively complex but can accompany the significant emotional burden of watching a loved one’s health decline. Nevertheless, research suggests that one of the best ways to slow dementia’s progression is through interaction with friends and loved ones, making caregiver support an important objective when considering dementia treatment. 

Caregivers may seek help from professional organizations like the Alzheimer’s Association, which can provide advice and may be able to marshal resources through one of its local chapters. Caregiving is also a role that can be team-based, if possible. Multiple people, including friends, family, and professional caregivers like nurses and nursing aids, can all be recruited to maximize the quality of life for the person with dementia. 

Has your life been impacted by dementia?

Talk to a therapist for support

Seeking support for yourself

If dementia has impacted your life or the life of someone you love, you may already be aware of some of the significant challenges that can arise. If you are caring for someone with dementia, you might consider taking additional steps to protect your well-being, like keeping positive self-care routines, relying on help from others, and seeking support from mental health professionals. 

If you face barriers to seeing a therapist in your area, it may be advantageous to consider online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp. You can attend online therapy from home or any comfortable location, removing the need to travel to a physical office. Some people also find that online therapy is considerably cheaper than in-person options without insurance coverage, and may offer access to more therapists than are available in one’s local area. 

A therapist can offer emotional support and proactive strategies to help you avoid burnout, bolster your mental well-being, or manage a mental health condition. Online providers have the same training and credentials as traditional therapists and use the same evidence-based techniques. The recent popularity of online therapy has spurred additional research to look at its effectiveness. While there are some exceptions, the research results suggest that, in most cases, online therapy is as effective as in-person alternatives.