6. Welche Therapieansätze gibt es bei demenziellen Erkrankungen?

What therapeutic approaches are there for dementia-related illnesses?

The treatment of dementia in Alzheimer's disease can be divided into two main areas:

The Drug treatment and the Psychosocial treatment

Drug treatment

In the case of drug treatment Anti-dementia drugs, antidepressants and neuroleptics for use.

Image: Pexels (Pixabay)

Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors

u003cstrongu003eAntidementivau003c/strongu003e includes u003cstrongu003eAcetylcholinesterase inhibitorsu003c/strongu003e. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors are a class of drugs that block the activity of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase. The destruction of nerve cells leads to a lack of acetylcholine in the brains of dementia sufferers. This messenger substance mediates between nerve and muscle fibres and controls many bodily functions. The drugs increase the concentration of the neurotransmitter again.

Memantine

Memantine also falls under the category of u003cstrongu003eantidementivau003c/strongu003e. It protects against the influx of glutamate (also a messenger substance) into the nerve cells, as too much glutamate can damage the nerve cells. Some studies show that thought processes such as learning and memory and everyday functions can improve somewhat over a certain period of time under therapy.

Side effects of anti-dementia drugs

u003cstrongu003eAntidementivau003c/strongu003e can also have severe side effects such as dizziness, headaches, drowsiness, stomach complaints, nausea/vomiting, increased blood pressure

(Textbook Health and Nursing Assistance, 2019, ed. Sens-Dobritzsch, page 556-557)

To date, it has not been possible to cure dementia with medication. However, the symptoms can be alleviated to some extent. Anti-dementia drugs delay the symptoms of the disease. Antidepressants and neuroleptics are used to treat symptom complexes of dementia such as behavioural problems, severe agitation, delusions, great anxiety, listlessness or physical aggression.

(Alzheimer, Diagnose Verlauf Behandlung, 2017, ed. VKI Müller, Dal-Bianco, page 94)

Psychosocial treatment

On the part of the psychosocial treatment there are a number of options that can positively influence the well-being and thus also the course of the disease of those affected:

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Occupational therapy
Establishing a structured daily routine

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Creating a trusting living environment
Mastering meaningful everyday tasks
Offer language exercises

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Physical activity that is fun
Dancing
Gardening
Movement games

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Engage with the biography of those affected
Designing together
Offer constant relationship work
Art therapy
Music therapy
Garden therapy
Validation
Sensitive communication
and much more.

Mind game

Think of an older person in your life that you know (it could be a family member, friend, girlfriend or neighbour). Imagine that this person is showing the first signs of dementia. Think about how you could help through psychosocial treatment options!

What physical activities would the person enjoy, what would challenge them mentally and bring them joy?

What could a trusting living environment look like for this person? What would be important to them?

What do you consider important if you want to maintain your own well-being and quality of life in the event of illness? What guidance and support would you like?

Create a mind map and share it in the forum!

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