The Dementia Divide: Medicine vs. Holistic—Part 2
- Scot Warpool
- May 31
- 3 min read
Treatment Options for Dementia: A Complete Guide for Caregivers
Understanding both pharmaceutical and holistic treatment options can help you have informed conversations with your loved one's healthcare team. Below are current and emerging approaches, simplified and organized for clarity.
PHARMACEUTICAL TREATMENTS
Cholinesterase Inhibitors
Treatment Names: Donepezil (Aricept), Rivastigmine (Exelon), Galantamine (Razadyne)
How it is believed to work (layman's terms):These medications help boost a brain chemical called acetylcholine, which is important for memory and thinking. In Alzheimer's disease, levels of this chemical drop. These drugs slow that loss and may improve symptoms temporarily for mild to moderate dementia.
Questions to ask your healthcare professional:
Is my loved one a good candidate based on their dementia type and stage?
What are the most common side effects (e.g., nausea, diarrhea, dizziness)?
How long before we might see benefits, and how will we measure them?
What happens if we stop the medication?
Helpful Links:
Alzheimer's Association — Medications: https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/treatments/medications-for-memory
National Institute on Aging — Treatment: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-disease-fact-sheet
Mayo Clinic — Alzheimer's drugs: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/in-depth/alzheimers/art-20048103
NMDA Receptor Antagonist
Treatment Name: Memantine (Namenda)
How it is believed to work:Memantine regulates glutamate, another brain chemical involved in learning and memory. Too much glutamate can damage brain cells. This drug helps protect cells and may improve daily function in moderate to severe Alzheimer's. It's sometimes combined with cholinesterase inhibitors.
Questions to ask:
Can this be combined with other dementia medications my loved one is taking?
What side effects should we watch for (e.g., confusion, dizziness, headache)?
How will we know if it's helping?
Is this appropriate for the type of dementia diagnosed?
Helpful Links:
Alzheimer's Association — Memantine: https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/treatments/medications-for-memory
Mayo Clinic — Memantine info: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/in-depth/alzheimers/art-20048103
Newer Monoclonal Antibody Treatments (Emerging)
Treatment Names: Aducanumab (Aduhelm), Lecanemab (Leqembi)
How it is believed to work:These IV infusion drugs target amyloid plaques—sticky protein clumps that build up in the brain in Alzheimer's disease. The goal is to remove plaques and slow cognitive decline in early-stage Alzheimer's. Results and eligibility vary; not all patients qualify.
Questions to ask:
Is my loved one in the early stage and confirmed to have amyloid plaques (via PET scan or spinal fluid test)?
What are the risks (e.g., brain swelling, microbleeds) and monitoring requirements?
What is the cost, insurance coverage, and infusion schedule?
What realistic outcomes should we expect?
Helpful Links:
Alzheimer's Association — New treatments: https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/treatments/aducanumab
FDA — Lecanemab approval: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements
Mayo Clinic — Amyloid-targeting therapy: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases
Important Disclaimers
Medical & Professional Advice Disclaimer: This content is intended for informational and emotional support purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or professional caregiving advice. Every family's situation is unique, and decisions regarding memory care or medical treatment should be made in consultation with healthcare professionals, elder care specialists, and legal advisors who understand your specific circumstances. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI or the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. For immediate caregiver support, contact the Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900.
Affiliate Disclosure: To keep this resource free for all caregivers, some of the links in this post may be affiliate links. This means that, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. I only recommend books, products, and services that are highly rated or have been vetted for their value to the caregiving community. Your support through these links helps sustain the research and writing required to provide this content. Thank you for your support!
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