5th June 2023

Management of dementia

Pharmacological management of dementia is dependent on the cause. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors such as galantamine, rivastigmine and donepezil are licensed for use in Alzheimer’s disease. Memantine, a glutamate receptor antagonist, is also used. Management of vascular dementia involves the treatment of vascular risk factors.

Performing a medication review is essential to avoid drugs with a high anticholinergic burden, which can worsen cognitive impairment.

Other management options depend on the underlying cause of dementia, for example, a ventriculoperitoneal shunt for normal pressure hydrocephalus.