Which Drugs Are Most Often Prescribed for Seniors with Dementia?
By Home Care Assistance Des Moines 9 am on
When dementia caregivers provide care for their senior loved ones, it’s essential to know what medications their loved ones need. Below is a list of commonly prescribed medications for aging adults with dementia.
Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors
Acetylcholinesterase is a complex enzyme that breaks down a neurotransmitter known as acetylcholine. People with Alzheimer’s might have an imbalance in acetylcholine activity, which plays a vital role in memory and other brain functions. Classified as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine are commonly prescribed to people who have mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. Such drugs are designed to increase the amount of natural acetylcholine in the brain to boost short-term memory. Caring for a loved one with dementia can be challenging, but compassionate help is available. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of homecare services families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
Memantine
By affecting the NMDA receptors in nerve cells, memantine can boost memory and other cognitive abilities such as speech and logic. This complicated chemical compound isn’t at all related to the acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. Memantine can also slow the progression of dementia and other degenerative conditions that affect the brain.
Lorazepam
Seniors who live with dementia are at high risk for other major problems, such as insomnia and anxiety. Categorized in the benzodiazepine class of drugs, lorazepam can mitigate side effects that come with moderate to severe forms of dementia. In particular, this medication is prescribed to elderly people who become aggressive, agitated, and restless because of their memory loss. By having a calming effect that can also induce sleep, lorazepam is a truly versatile drug that’s suitable for seniors who might get panic attacks after forgetting things. Highly trained caregivers with experience in caring for seniors with dementia can be a fantastic resource for family members. Families looking for top-rated Des Moines home care providerscan reach out to Home Care Assistance. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones.
Antidepressants
Depression is one of the most common symptoms of dementia. Seniors can become depressed if they forget how to perform basic daily tasks. It’s also depressing for elderly people to forget the names of family members and friends. Therefore, seniors who have dementia and depression might be prescribed some type of antidepressant. There are more than 10 types of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) that can treat depression. Dementia can be challenging for seniors to manage, but they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional dementia care. Des Moines seniors can benefit greatly from the Cognitive Therapeutics Method (CTM), an activities-based program designed to promote cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia. CTM is included at no additional charge with any of the in-home care plans provided by Home Care Assistance. To create a customized in-home care plan for your loved one, call us at (515) 264-2438.
