Senile dementia: treatment and prevention, effective drugs. What to take with dementia - vascular, neuroleptics, sedatives, sleeping pills and drugs for senile dementia and dementia in the elderly: List

In the article you will find information about what senile dementia is, how to diagnose and treat this disease.

Senile dementia is a serious illness that people in old age may encounter. This pathology is a serious problem not only for the patient himself, since he almost does not realize changes in his memory, speech and behavior. Close people who, along with experiences for a loved one, face a number of problems related to treatment, ensuring care, as well as choosing the right line of behavior and communicating with the patient, are much more difficult.

How to recognize the development of dementia

The senile dementia is the state of a severe disorder of the psyche and the nervous system, the cause of which is an organic damage to the structures of the brain.

Such violations can be caused:

• hereditary predisposition
• vascular diseases
• be a consequence of injuries or infectious diseases.

One of the causes of the pathology of the brain is age aging.

Signs of the disease are:

• violation of memory
• decrease in intellectual abilities
• loss of existing knowledge and skills and the inability to acquire new
• violation of coordination of movements
• loss of orientation in space and time
• sleep inversion, insomnia
• changing the manner of behavior - unreasonable aggression, apathy, bouts of panic fear

The clinical picture can be expressed by similar symptoms of varying severity, depending on the initial state of the patient’s body, as well as the causes of brain disorders.

All cases of manifestation of dementia are expressed by a progressive disorder of intellectual abilities and emotional-volitional sphere, leading in some cases to a complete loss of the psychological basis of the personality.

• Acquired dementia (senile dementia) does not apply to congenital diseases, such as oligophrenia.
• The senile dementia, which is sometimes called senile insanity, develops gradually in old age due to the organic decay of the brain structures and leads to the loss of the abilities of mental activity and memory, and subsequently motor functions and speech.

Classification of the disease

Any type of dementia is initiated by complex disorders in the work of various areas of the brain. There are a number of diseases related to dementia.

Depending on which brain structures have been disintegrated, various external signs of the disease can be distinguished:

• Pathological changes in the cerebral cortex lead to a violation of higher nervous activity, mental abilities and problems of the emotional sphere (Alzheimer's disease).
• Violations in the subcortical zone lead to malfunctions of the unconscious functions of the body - tremor of the limbs, nerve tics (Parkinson's disease).

The classification of the degree of disease can be carried out on the basis of assessing the scale of damage to the nervous tissue of the brain:

• Light. The patient retains the ability to lead an independent life, there is no violation of coordination movement and orientation. At the same time, his social activity is reduced, the patient shows apathy to surrounding events and people, becomes closed and “goes into itself”, and can be forgotten and distracted in household life. At the same time, it retains an adequate attitude to his condition, understands the need to see a doctor and treatment.
• Moderate. The patient needs help and constant attention from relatives. Serious disorders of the memory and skills of everyday life (communication with others, the use of household appliances, orientation in space and time intervals) may be observed. A person in this state cannot be left alone at home or allowed to go somewhere unaccompanied.
• Heavy. It is characterized by a complete decay of personality, the loss of a critical attitude to his behavior. The patient becomes not capable of performing the most elementary actions and experiences the need for round -the -clock observation and care. A person loses mental and speech abilities, does not recognize even the closest relatives, does not control his physiological state.

Diagnostic methods

If you suspect the development of dementia, you must contact the therapist. To establish a diagnosis, you need to go through consultations of a neurologist, psychiatrist, neuropsychologist, general examination of the state of the body and a comprehensive neurological examination to identify foci of damage.

The initial testing of cognitive functions and the general level of consciousness is carried out based on a conversation with relatives and the patient himself. The following abilities of brain activity are evaluated:

• functions of short -term and long -term memory
• orientation in space
• elementary abilities - reading, writing, simple account
• recognition of objects by basic characteristics
• concentration of attention
• emotional perception
• the presence of delusional ideas, hallucinations and phobias
• everyday activity and communication with others

After assessing the condition of the patient, more accurate studies of the function of the brain are carried out using the method of magnetically resonance imaging. MRI allows you to identify changes that are characteristic of this disease - atrophy of the brain crust, reduction of convolutions, intracranial pressure, hydrocephalus of ventricles, etc.

Senile dementia - prevention: complex measures and a list of drugs

Senile dementia in a moderate and severe stage is practically not to be treated. Doctors around the world can still help patients with this disease and study the question of ways to slow down the process of dying of the brain.

It is believed that one of the methods of prevention is early diagnosis.

If the first symptoms of the disease occur, when the patient himself or his relatives seek help, the disease is no longer in the initial stage. For example, memory problems appear only a few years after the onset of the disease. During this period, the fifth of the centers of the brain memory has already been destroyed.

• Specialists of the London National Clinic of Neurology and Neurosurgery believe that the inefficiency of most drugs is explained by the advanced stage of the disease.
• In addition to the study of the brain, scientists develop a method of early diagnosis in the composition of chemicals in the blood denoting the onset of the disease.
• People who have a hereditary predisposition to the development of dementia need to pay attention to the prevention of the disease and undergo a regular examination for timely monitoring of the condition of the brain.

A reduction in the risk of the onset of the disease lies in the lifestyle of a person. For the prevention of brain violations, it is necessary:

• Follow the heart, blood pressure and blood sugar.
• To maintain constant physical activity, to avoid sharp changes in weight, stress, emotional shocks.
• To devote time to training cognitive functions of the brain - logical and abstract thinking, memory, concentration. As such classes, the solution of logical and mathematical problems, training of visual memory, studying foreign languages, solving crosswords, etc. will be useful.

According to scientists, Solanezumab and Bapinezumab preparations can be effective in the early stages of the disease. It is possible that after additional studies, these funds can be used as preventive measures.

Tablets, injections, drugs from dementia at the initial stage: a list, how to take?

As already noted above, there is no miraculous tablet from dementia. When diagnosing the disease, in no case can you self -medicate.

The choice of drugs should be carried out by a doctor depending on the causes and stage of the disease, as well as the general condition of the patient and related diseases.

At the initial stage of the disease, the doctor can recommend taking the following groups of drugs:

• Antidepressants - for the treatment of depressive states, apathy, anxiety, panic attacks. This group includes Chlorprotics, fluoxetine (prose), citralopram (Tehksa). Such funds need to be taken with caution, since in people suffering from dementia they can provoke delusional states and deterioration.
• Sedding drugs for correcting sleep disturbance, anxiety. Means based on plant components can be used - valerian root extract, motherwort, peony tincture, Novopassit. Such funds are safe, but their effect is quite weak and manifests itself only with a long reception time.

Antipsychotics and vascular drugs with senile dementia and dementia in the elderly: List

Complications are often accompanied by senile dementia - nonsense, hallucinations, psychomotor disorders.

Neuroleptics are prescribed to facilitate such neurotic and psychopathic disorders, irritability, sleep problems and daytime activity - Risperidon (Risperdal), Olanzapin (Tsuprex), Haloperidol.

• Such drugs cause a blockade of dopamine receptors, which inhibits the development of psychosis. Typically, drugs are used for intramuscular administration in a dosage established by the attending physician.
• It should be noted that when taking the means of this group, side effects are not excluded - tremor of the limbs, increased salivation, and muscle stiffness. In addition, studies of American scientists prove that treatment with these drugs can be dangerous for the elderly.

Tablets, injections, drugs from moderate dementia: a list, how to take?

• Cerebrolysin - The drug, which is a compound of low molecular weight peptides with amino acids, has a wide spectrum of positive effects on the functioning of the brain. The product allows you to protect the brain neurons from oppressive factors, regulates intercellular metabolism. The action of active substances allows you to improve the memory, attention and ability of the patient. The drug is administered intravenously through a dropper, the course of treatment should be at least 4-6 weeks. One of the advantages of this tool is the accumulation and preservation of the therapeutic effect after the cessation of administration for a long time.
• Actovegin - a drug that provides the supply of brain cells with oxygen and helps to increase intracellular metabolism. Reception of this tool helps to improve cognitive functions, reduces the psycho-emotional symptoms of dementia. The drug is prescribed intravenously for 2 weeks, then treatment continues in a tablet form.

Tablets, injections, drugs from severe dementia: a list, how to take?

• With severe symptoms of the disease, a combination is prescribed Akatinol Memantin and one of the following drugs Rivastigmin, galantamine, doneps. In the case of senile dementia, such funds are used in the prescribed dosage for a long period of time or constantly.
• Akatinol Memantin - helps to improve metabolism and the function of transmitting a nerve impulse in the brain, improves the functions of memory and acuteness of attention, enhances the ability of the mental activity necessary to perform daily classes. It is usually taken in a dosage of 10 mg twice a day. The drug is used for various types of thinking violation, memorization, learning and loss of concentration.
• Rivastigmin (Alzenserm) - The effect of the drug is based on the destruction of acetylcholine, which helps to enhance the transmission of the nerve impulse. Reception of this tool allows you to improve memorization, attention, coordinate speech disorders and reaction speed, reduce signs of mental and behavioral deviations. In general, the patient has an improvement in the condition, an increase in activity in everyday and social life. The drug is taken 2 times a day at 1.5 - 6 mg with a gradual increase in the dose of administration.
• Plaster exelon - A unique tool that provides regular rivastigmine through the skin layer. The product is glued daily at a certain time on the skin area that does not contact with tightly tight clothing. The product provides the dosed intake of the active substance in the blood. The use of the patch will not interfere with daily water procedures or swimming in the pool, but you need to refuse to visit the sauna or bath.

Soothing, sleeping pills for the elderly with dementia and senile dementia: List

The course of the disease in advanced age is often complicated by the lack of sleep, the appearance of alarming states and phobias, severe depression, delirium and hallucinations. The following drugs help adjust the patient's condition:

• Phenazepam - It is prescribed as a sedative with increased excitability and sleep disturbances. With dementia, such a tool is allowed to receive once, in emergency situations. Long -term intake will lead to aggravation of the patient's condition.
• Phenibut - helps to improve the transmission of nerve impulses, enhance cerebral circulation and metabolism, and reduce blood vessels. The effect of the drug helps to cope with anxiety, relieve nervous tension, normalize sleep. In addition, there is an improvement in motor functions, increased reaction rate. Long -term use allows you to stimulate physical and mental performance, increase everyday activity.
• Sonapax (thioridase) - an effective drug of combined action. The tool has a calming and sedative effect, helps eliminate anxiety states, bouts of panic attacks and aggressive behavior. It is prescribed to patients suffering from a disorder of motor functions, sleep, depressive conditions.

It should be noted once again that any medication for brain violations in older people should be used strictly as prescribed by a doctor in the prescribed dosage.

Very often, taking potent means provokes the occurrence of severe side effects. This is especially dangerous for people of advanced age with a whole set of various kinds of diseases.

Care for patients with senile dementia

First of all, the patient’s family members should understand that this disease is almost incurable. In the forces of doctors only to slow down the process of dying of the brain, but it is impossible to stop destruction or restore affected areas. As already noted, the patient will need constant care, including hygienic and medical procedures.

• A huge patience and understanding of the situation will be required from others, because the change in the behavior of the patient is in no way related to his character or hatred of others, but are the result of pathological disorders.
• Treatment in a hospital, without a doubt, will provide optimal medical control, but being in the hospital can affect the psychological condition of an elderly person for a long time.
• If possible, the best option would be to find the patient in the house with the involvement of a qualified nurse. At the same time, you can control the treatment process, as well as create the most comfortable atmosphere for a loved one, the usual life, home nutrition and communication with your family.

It is especially important to maintain understanding, a warm attitude and respect for his personality.

In a state of psychological rest, most elderly people prevail a positive mood, an improvement in mental activity and the restoration of an adequate perception of reality are observed.

At the early stage of the disease, attention should be paid to the following principles of auxiliary therapy:

• Preservation of peace of mind. Avoid the nervous and emotional tension of the patient. To do this, you need to create a calm home atmosphere with a constant circle of communication. For the patient, there must be a certain daily routine with mandatory periods of silence and rest. It is also important to ensure a full night sleep. This will help get rid of a sense of anxiety and psychological stress.
• Physical activity. It is necessary to devote the time of the patient’s motor activity - daily walks, feasible homework, physiotherapy exercises, swimming. Such classes will help increase blood circulation and saturation of tissues with oxygen. In addition, they have a beneficial effect on the mood of the patient.
• Control over food. The patient’s diet should have products that help reduce cholesterol - legumes, vegetable oils, nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios, cedar), citrus fruits, carrots, sweet pepper, eggplant. Sour -milk products, low -fat varieties of meat and fish, seafood, and greens are useful. It is better to steam all the dishes with a minimum content of salt and sugar.

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