To correct or eliminate anything which may worsen the condition. To try to slow the progression. To treat deficiencies known to be associated with this condition. To manage the progressive behavioral and medical problems which occur in adanced cases, 5. To educate caregivers.
Many different factors can worsen impaired memory and concentration in older people.
These include sedatives, sleeping medicines, and many other prescription and nonprescription medicines. Poor control of existing medical problems such as diabetes, thyroid conditions, lung disease or heart disease can aggravate the problem. Nutritional and vitamin deficiencies, as well as depression, can make a patient with dementia function poorly. Under the direction of a physician, step one would be to eliminate any aggravating medicines, bring all other medical conditions under optimal control, correct nutritional deficiencies, and consider treating significant depression. Slowing the progression of the condition is the next step.