[Pharmacological treatment of dementia]

Dtsch Med Wochenschr. 2022 Feb;147(4):157-164. doi: 10.1055/a-1593-8205. Epub 2022 Feb 14.
[Article in German]

Abstract

It is part of the natural aging process that cognitive performance declines and the speed of information processing slows down. However, if brain function deteriorates significantly, spatial and temporal disorientation, speech and recognition disorders, as well as behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) such as apathy, anxiety, depression, social withdrawal or even strong emotional fluctuations with agitation and apathy may occur. Occurring behavioral changes and the associated limitations in coping with everyday activities should be observed, because they may be the first signs of dementia.The current article focuses on the pharmacotherapeutic treatment of the most common dementia syndromes, such as Alzheimer's dementia, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, Parkinson dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. Furthermore, pharmacological treatment of accompanying psychopathological symptoms are highlighted.

MeSH terms

  • Alzheimer Disease* / drug therapy
  • Cognition
  • Dementia, Vascular*
  • Humans
  • Lewy Body Disease*