Dementia

• Dementia is a term to describe a range of cognitive and behavioural symptoms which can include 

  • Memory loss 
  • Problems with reasoning and communication 
  • Changes in personality 
  • Reduction in person's ability to carry out daily activities 
•  Diagnosis of Dementia

  • Rating scales – ACE 3 
  • Scans – MRI and CAT 
  • History from person, carer or family  
• Management of Dementia

  • First line – optimize physical health and current pharmacological management 
  • Make environmental changes if needed 
  • Use aids to act as reminders 
  • First line medication – acetylcholinesterase inhibitors 
• OTC interactions of Dementia

  • Dextromethorphan can increase the adverse effects of memantine 
  • NSAIDs can affect acetylcholinesterase inhibitors