Patient and caregiver were instructed on measures to help slow the progression of dementia as follows:
Slowing progression of dementia involves a multi-factorial approach involving lifestyle changes, medication management, social support, and compliance with dietary recommendations.
Lifestyle changes include recommendations such as
- Encouraging smoking cessation
- Limiting intake of alcohol
- Practicing alternative management measures for anxiety and depression, such as deep breathing and relaxation, guided imagery, art, yoga, and meditation
- Encouraging the patient to have restful quality sleep for at least 8 hours during the night
- Promptly addressing insomnia and sleep associated problems, such as sleep apnea
- Promoting compliance with recommendation for physical exercises, such as walking, jogging, swimming, as endurance allows
- Practicing measures for mental stimulation, such as learning a new language, solving word puzzles, enrolling in a neighborhood reading club, and working on brain training apps
- Encouraging the use of hearing aids in individuals with hearing deficit
Medication management includes measures promoting compliance with intake of
- Recommended cognition enhancing medications, such as Memantine, Rivastigmine, and Donepezil
- Recommended medications for chronic long-standing health issues, such as HTN, CHF, Diabetes, and hypothyroidism
- Recommended supplements and vitamins, such as, Vitamin D, B-complex, and Zinc
Dietary measures for slowing progression of dementia include
- Compliance with recommendations for MIND diet
- Limiting intake of red meat, saturated fats, and added sugars
Promoting social support includes measures such as
- Joining senior clubs and taking part in community activities
- Encouraging participation in group and volunteer opportunities
- Celebrating milestones to foster a sense of belonging and community
- Finding activity partners in dance club, neighborhood walkers, or a painting club
