Treatment for dementia
Appropriate treatment is given to cure reversible dementia depending on the severity of the condition and may include antibiotics or a surgery to remove the tumor or clot in the brain. Although irreversible dementia cannot be cured, medications are given to control the symptoms. Treatment involves the following.

• Cholinesterase Inhibitors—Cholinesterase inhibitors are drugs that block the activity of an enzyme in the brain called cholinesterase. The drugs that come under this class are Tacrine, Donepezil, Rivastigmine, Galantamine or Galanthamine.
• Antidepressants or Anxiolytics—Antidepressants are a group of drugs used to alleviate depression. Anxiolytics are drugs that are used to treat anxiety and depression. The drugs coming under this group are Fluoxetine, Sertraline, Paroxetine and Citalopram.
• Antipsychotics—Antipsychotics are a group of drugs used to treat psychosis. Haloperidol, Risperidone, Quetiapine, Olanzapine, Ziprasidone are the drugs under this class.¹
• Anticonvulsants—These are also called antiepileptic drugs and are used in the prevention of occurrence of epileptic seizures. Valproic acid, Carbamazepine Gabapentin, Lamotrigine.
• Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs—The available OTC drugs for dementia are Diphenhydramine and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Aspirin, Naproxen, or Ibuprofen. 

Reminiscence Therapy—This involves discussing about the past events in groups and helping them to recall using photos or familiar objects.
Reality Orientation—Helping the patient to remember where he or she is and letting them know what is going around them.
Vitamin and Other Supplements—VitaminB₁₂ and folic acid, lower the levels of an amino acid in the blood that is usually high in Alzheimer’s patients. Zinc can improve memory, which lacks in elderly people. Some studies suggest that L-arginine, an amino acid increase the blood flow in the brain helping vascular dementia. Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), borage oil and evening primrose oil containing essential fatty acids may help to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. A diet including less animal fats and more fish is helpful.
Herbal Remedies—Herbs are usually safe and help to strengthen and tone the body’s systems. It is always safe to talk with a physician and taking his opinion. The following are some herbs used to help this condition.²

• Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) is helpful in treating early Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia
• Huperzine A (Huperzia serrata) helps to recover memory in both vascular and Alzheimer’s dementia.
• Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) , is a tonic which helps in blood circulation.
• Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) and American ginseng (Panax quinquefolium) increase stamina and improve cerebral circulation.
• Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), helps to recover cognitive function in mild Alzeimer’s dementia.