Unfortunately, most types of dementia cannot be cured, but there are medications available to help manage your symptoms. Common medications include:
- Cholinesterase inhibitors: Donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine are among the medicines that operate by increasing the levels of a chemical messenger important in memory and judgment. These medicines are most commonly prescribed to treat Alzheimer's disease, but can also be used to treat other forms of dementia such as vascular dementia, Parkinson's disease dementia, and Lewy body dementia.
- Memantine: Memantine regulates glutamate, a chemical messenger in the brain, that helps in learning and memory.
- Medications to treat other symptoms or conditions: Your doctor may prescribe medications to help treat other symptoms of dementia, such as anxiety, sleeplessness, depression, and hallucinations.