Cholinesterase inhibitors may improve quality of life and cognitive functions including memory, thought and reasoning. They are proven effective for people who are mildly to moderately affected by the disease, and are under evaluation in patients with MCI and severe dementia. Therefore, the early recognition and diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease is important. Treat agitation, psychosis and depression. The patient's paranoia, suspiciousness, combativeness or resistance to maintaining personal hygiene can seem overwhelming to families and caregivers and significantly impact quality of life.
Evidence indicates that several strategies can decrease problem behaviors.
If environmental manipulation fails to eliminate agitation or psychosis, use antipsychotics. Selected tricyclics, MAO-B inhibitors and SSRIs should be considered to treat depression. Encourage caregivers to participate in Caregiver Educational Programs and support groups. Short term Caregiver Educational Programs can improve caregiver satisfaction. Long term Caregiver Educational Programs can delay time to nursing home placement for the AD patient.