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Dementia
- Topic Overview
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Health Tools
- Cause
- Symptoms
- What Happens
- What Increases Your Risk
- When To Call a Doctor
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- Treatment Overview
- Prevention
- Home Treatment
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- Other Places To Get Help
- Related Information
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Researchers are investigating many treatments to learn whether they can prevent or delay the development of dementia.
Many people take ginkgo biloba to improve or preserve memory. But studies have not shown that ginkgo biloba helps improve memory or prevent dementia.22 Ginkgo biloba is widely used in Europe to treat age-related dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.
Research is ongoing to look at the usefulness of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), cholesterol-lowering drugs (statins), and other antioxidants.
People with dementia may benefit from a structured group program that encourages them to focus on a variety of topics and to think creatively within their limits. This type of program, sometimes called reality orientation or cognitive stimulation therapy, is offered in some day care and residential settings.23 Occupational therapists focus on a person's ability to perform daily tasks and take part in social activities. Studies have shown occupational therapy can improve the daily functioning of people with dementia.24
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: June 17, 2009 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Peter J. Whitehouse, MD - Neurology | |
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