No treatments currently exist to stop dementia from progressing, although some may help manage symptoms. Some studies suggest that certain drugs may help manage certain symptoms and associated behavioral issues.
In addition, people living with dementia often receive rehabilitation services including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language therapy. These therapies aim to maximize quality of life and communication success and maintain skills using a combination of compensatory and impairment-based approaches.
In speech-language therapy, exercises target cognition and communication using different approaches involving stimulating cognitive areas through activity (for example: participating in social groups, or activities around the house like sorting laundry), specific training for the underlying cognitive domain (for example targeting exercises in the areas of attention, memory or problem solving), and developing strategies to successfully participate in activities of daily living (for example, keeping a daily planner, setting alarms). As a caregiver, you can help by being empathetic and patient with your loved one with dementia.
One promising scientific study looked at brain rehabilitation therapy sessions with an elderly resident with moderate dementia who resided in a special care memory unit. This individual used Constant Therapy on an iPad to target cognitive-communicative issues. The clinician reported that the resident achieved a higher degree of functional recovery and superior quality of life than would have been possible with more traditional therapeutic approaches alone.