Dementia

Alzheimer’s disease: Do medications containing memantine help?

Medications containing the drug memantine are supposed to help people who have Alzheimer’s disease remember things and better manage their daily tasks. Trials show that memantine can somewhat delay the deterioration of mental abilities. Other abilities important to daily life may also last longer. more...

Dementia in Alzheimer's disease: Can Ginkgo help?

Ginkgo biloba could help some people with Alzheimer’s disease to perform daily tasks again. Adverse effects are not very common, but interactions with other medications cannot be ruled out. more...

Dementia in Alzheimer’s disease: Can non-drug interventions like education programs for family members help people who have Alzheimer’s?

After attending education programs, family members can possibly care for people who have Alzheimer’s at home for a longer time. Some therapies seem to help people who have Alzheimer’s maintain their mental abilities for a longer time. more...

Dementia: Is getting a break enough, or do carers need more support?

Being able to have “time off” from full-time caring for someone with dementia is important, for example by using respite care. But it might not be enough support to rely on. There are additional services for family members and carers such as self-help groups, meals on wheels, and household help. more...

Dementia in Alzheimer's disease: How well do cholinesterase inhibitors work?

Cholinesterase inhibitors can slightly delay the loss of brain function in people who have mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. This means that they may help people to remain independent in everyday life for longer. It is not clear whether cholinesterase inhibitors work better than other treatments do. more...