What Therapies are Helpful in Combatting Dementia?

No medicine can treat dementia. However, some may provide temporary relief from some symptoms. Doctors may also prescribe additional medications to treat dementia-related disorders such as sadness, difficulty sleeping, or agitation.

Fremont, CA: When a parent, lover, or someone else you care about is diagnosed with dementia, you do all that is possible to assist them, including improving their memory, cognitive abilities, mood, and conduct.

It is a lot to take in. There are, however, things that can be taken to aid.

These include collaborating with their doctor to manage their dementia symptoms and any other underlying illnesses. Different types of therapy may be beneficial in their daily lives. Exercise, healthy eating, staying social, engaging in mentally challenging activities, and getting enough sleep are all important.

These methods assist in stimulating your loved one's memory and thinking skills, or at least give them pleasure and make their day. Make sure that all their attempts improve their quality of life rather than frustrate or overwhelm them.

Reminiscence Therapy

Reminiscence therapy may involve conversing with your loved one about their residence, school days, job life, or favorite hobbies. It can be done alone or in groups as part of a structured therapy. To aid, the person leading the session may play music from your loved one's past, as well as images or valued artifacts.

Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST)

Cognitive stimulation treatment (CST) is an organized program designed for groups of persons with mild to moderate dementia. At sessions, the group engages in mentally stimulating activities such as discussing current events, singing, playing word games, and cooking from a recipe.

Reality Orientation Training

Reality orientation training covers fundamentals such as the person's name, date, and time. They may have signage with that information put throughout their home. Some people find this to be excessive or even patronizing. If it isn't working for your loved one, discontinue it.

It is distressing to be diagnosed with dementia. If your loved one requires assistance in dealing with their dementia, request that their doctor refer you to a qualified mental health expert. (You may also want to do this if you need assistance adjusting to their situation). An individual or family therapist, a social worker, a psychologist, or a psychiatrist may be among those involved. Joining a dementia support group locally or online can be reassuring.