The diagnosis of a memory disorder can be life changing, for both the patient and their loved ones. It is not uncommon to feel anxious, scared, angry, and uncertain. However, the right memory disorder treatment can make a huge difference in helping your family move forward and protect your quality of life for as long as possible.
As you work with your neurological care team, you will explore memory disorder treatments that range from medications to in-home improvements and even talk therapy conversations. Dementia treatment and Alzheimer’s treatment have no cure, but the therapies can greatly improve mood, function, and acceptance.
Learn how to move forward if you have recently experienced a neurological memory disorder diagnosis for yourself or a loved one. Dive into popular dementia treatments and how memory disorder therapy can help both the patient and their loved ones manage the disorder.
Do you suspect a memory disorder? Get cognitive testing in Maryland at Neurological Medicine PA. With two locations, we can help you get the right diagnosis, treatment plan, and care team. Call today.
Note: Content on neuromedpa.com is not doctor’s advice and should not be taken as such. Always contact your primary care doctor for medical services, diagnosis, treatment, and more.
Common Memory Disorders
- Dementia
- Alzheimer’s
- Vascular Dementia
- Lewy Body Dementia
- Cognitive Impairment
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Alcohol Use Disorder
- Delirium
- Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease
- Huntington’s Disease
- Parkinson’s Disease
Management, Treatment, and Therapies for Memory Disorders
Memory disorders, like dementia and Alzheimer’s, do not have a cure. However, proper dementia treatment manages the disorders, sustains quality of life, and provides support for both the patient and their loved ones to manage the diagnosis.
Always talk to your doctor about treatment options, side effects that may affect current medications or other treatments, and a care plan that takes into account your lifestyle.
1. Cholinesterase Inhibitors
Most commonly an Alzheimer’s treatment, cholinesterase inhibitors are recommended to help manage brain chemicals responsible for communication between nerve cells.
The acetylcholine chemical sends messages between nerve cells in the brain. Alzheimer’s patients have less acetylcholine and fewer nerve cells, causing messages to get lost and resulting in dementia symptoms. Alzheimer’s patients also produce an enzyme called acetylcholinesterase, which breaks down acetylcholine, causing more deterioration.
Cholinesterase inhibitors help to prevent acetylcholinesterase enzymes from breaking down acetylcholine. This sustains a more average level of the chemicals in the brain so the nerve cells can still communicate and function. It can offset some of the effects of Alzheimer’s disease.
Common Cholinesterase Inhibitors Include:
Donepezil
Rivastigmine
Galantamine
2. Other Medications
Alzheimer’s treatments, along with other dementia treatments, may also include prescription medications in addition to cholinesterase inhibitors.
Medications for memory disorder treatments may include Memantine, an NMDA antagonist that is used in the treatment of Alzheimer’s; infusions, such as lecanemab and donanemab, that target plaque in the brain in the early stages of Alzheimer’s treatment.
You may also discuss medications for memory disorder treatments that target depression, anxiety, low blood pressure, or other corresponding illnesses that often accompany memory disorders. These can help manage symptoms from neurological memory disorders and improve quality of life.
3. Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST)
A type of therapy often done in groups, CST aims to improve cognitive function for patients with memory disorders and help them come to terms with their condition.
CST is a memory disorder treatment that helps prompt conversations, includes memory games, involves puzzles and problem-solving, and may include creative activities or physical movements. All of these modalities are intended to help maintain cognitive function for as long as possible in the early stages of a memory disorder diagnosis.
This can be an extremely helpful memory disorder treatment for patients who are looking to maintain their functional movements and learn how to accept the diagnosis with others who are experiencing the same life changes as they are.
Family and loved ones can often mingle with other caregivers after dropping off the patient, to help create a sense of support and community for all involved.
4. Cognitive Rehabilitation
Another common memory disorder treatment, cognitive rehabilitation is mostly used for patients experiencing cognitive decline due to a traumatic brain injury, stroke, MS, or dementia.
Cognitive rehabilitation involves exercises, compensation skills, in-home or lifestyle modifications, and resources. Exercises in cognitive rehabilitation are aimed at strengthening cognitive skill sets or reclaiming the use of cognitive skills that may have been impacted by a memory disorder. Compensation skills help patients to adapt so they may still complete functions and movements, even with cognitive impairment.
Lifestyle modifications will help patients look at their environment to see what can be changed or altered to support them in maintaining a high quality of life without causing flare-ups or other challenges. Sometimes most importantly, resources from cognitive rehabilitation help patients get connected to doctors, groups, and aids that can be vital in improving their quality of life and overall health.
5. Occupational Therapy
While cognitive rehabilitation focuses on strengthening cognitive skillsets, occupational therapy is about completing everyday tasks.
Patients who are dealing with memory disorder treatments, like Alzheimer’s treatments and dementia treatments, will struggle with daily tasks as their disease progresses. Treatments may slow their progression, but daily tasks like bathing, toileting, dressing, eating, meal prep, home management, and hobbies will become more difficult.
Occupational therapy is popular for those with neurological memory disorders because it helps them maintain function for as long as possible as their condition worsens. The more a patient can provide for themselves, safely, the better their mood and overall health.
6. Speech and Language Therapy
Neurological memory disorders often affect speech in patients. This is due to the cognitive decline associated with memory disorders.
In order to help patients preserve their speech and ability to communicate, speech and language therapy is often recommended. This can help manage and sustain cognitive function, improve and maintain communication, and even aid in swallowing, which can become difficult for memory disorder patients.
Speech and language therapy for memory disorder treatments may include cognitive skillsets, language stimulation, and communication strategies.
7. Reminiscence
A memory disorder treatment that can be done with friends, family, and loved ones, reminiscing is all about recalling memories and sharing them with others.
Patients with dementia and other neurological memory disorders often recall memories from long ago. Sitting with these memories, talking about them, and sharing them can be very therapeutic for patients. Not only does it distract them from their current diagnosis, but it can also uplift their mood and overall well-being.
A happy patient is one most likely to maintain their function and sustain their health. Loved ones are encouraged to sit and talk with someone reminiscing to help lift their mood, share space with them not focused on their illness, and help them recall whatever comes to mind without pressure.
8. Talk Therapy
While undergoing medications, speech therapy, group discussions, and occupational therapy, one of the most important treatments for neurological memory disorders is talk therapy.
Patients will have a hard time coming to terms with their illness. How will it affect their life, their careers, their daily hobbies, and the impact on their loved ones? Talk therapy allows patients undergoing dementia treatment to talk freely about their fears, concerns, anger, and more.
It is highly encouraged for patients to seek a therapist purely to talk freely and openly. Loved ones may be distracted by enforcing a positive attitude, being upbeat, managing care, and more. While family and friends are a needed support system, a talk therapist allows the patient to freely feel their emotions without expectations.
9. Creative Arts and Music
At the end of the day, creativity and enjoyment can do a lot for cognitive function.
Being creative, making art, listening to music, or partaking in any other similar activity can do a lot for dementia treatment. These activities stimulate parts of the brain, strengthening their usage. Arts and music can be calming, create a positive mood, and foster a better relationship between the patient and caregivers.
While everyone is caught up in care plans, treatment options, and finances, do not forget to enjoy: put on favorite music, paint or craft, be artistic, and take time to be happy.
Cognitive Testing in Maryland to Create a Care Plan for Dementia Treatment
Cognitive decline can be scary. For patients and for loved ones, the perspective is unsettling and prompts a lot of questions.
The right diagnosis can go a long way to managing cognitive function, maintaining quality of life, and keeping an upbeat attitude throughout an illness. Neurological Medicine PA in Maryland has two office locations offering cognitive testing.
Whether someone has suffered a stroke, is showing signs of memory loss, or is experiencing any other unsettling symptoms, we can help. We’ll complete testing, recommend a treatment plan, and work with you through the process of your dementia treatment, tweaking and changing details as needed for the right balance of care and safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common neurological memory disorders?
Common memory disorders include dementia, Alzheimer’s, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, cognitive impairment, traumatic brain injuries, alcohol use disorder, delirium, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, Huntington’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. The proper diagnosis is critical to getting the right care treatment plan.
Can memory disorders like dementia or Alzheimer’s be cured?
No, memory disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer’s do not have a cure. However, treatments and therapies can manage symptoms, improve quality of life, and support both patients and their loved ones while preventing decline for as long as possible.
What medications are commonly used to treat memory disorders?
Medications that might be discussed include cholinesterase inhibitors (Donepezil, Rivastigmine, Galantamine), memantine (an NMDA antagonist), and infusions like lecanemab and donanemab. Other prescriptions may target depression, anxiety, or related conditions to help manage all symptoms.
What therapies can help patients manage daily life when diagnosed with a memory disorder?
Therapies that may be recommended include cognitive stimulation therapy (CST), cognitive rehabilitation, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, talk therapy, reminiscence activities, and creative arts or music therapy.
Where can patients in Maryland go for cognitive testing and treatment planning?
The Neurological Center PA offers cognitive testing and care planning at two Maryland locations: Greenbelt and Laurel. Testing helps create a tailored treatment plan and ongoing support for patients and families.
Neurological Medicine, P.A.
Neurological Medicine, P.A., provides comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services to patients with conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles. We have been serving the Prince George’s and Montgomery County area since 1975, with two offices: Greenbelt and Laurel. We offer complete adult neurological care as well as in-office neurodiagnostic studies.
