Souvenaid for Alzheimer’s disease
Abstract Background Souvenaid is a dietary supplement with a patented composition (Fortasyn Connect™)which is intended to be used by people with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). It has been designed to support the formation and function of synapses in the brain, which are thought to be strongly correlated with cognitive function. If effective, it might improve symptoms […]
Pharmacotherapies for sleep disturbances in dementia
Abstract Background Sleep disturbances, including reduced nocturnal sleep time, sleep fragmentation, nocturnal wandering, and daytime sleepiness are common clinical problems in dementia, and are associated with significant carer distress, increased healthcare costs, and institutionalisation. Although non‐drug interventions are recommended as the first‐line approach to managing these problems, drug treatment is often sought and used. However, […]
Personally tailored activities for improving psychosocial outcomes for people with dementia in community settings
Abstract Background People with dementia living in the community, that is in their own homes, are often not engaged in meaningful activities. Activities tailored to their individual interests and preferences might be one approach to improve quality of life and reduce challenging behaviour. Objectives To assess the effects of personally tailored activities on psychosocial outcomes […]
Aromatherapy for dementia
Abstract Background Medications licensed for the treatment of dementia have limited efficacy against cognitive impairment or against the distressed behaviours (behavioural and psychological symptoms, or behaviour that challenges) which are also often the most distressing aspect of the disorder for caregivers. Complementary therapies, including aromatherapy, are attractive to patients, practitioners and families, because they are […]
Simulated presence therapy for dementia
Abstract Background Dementia is a common and serious neuropsychiatric syndrome, characterised by progressive cognitive and functional decline. The majority of people with dementia develop behavioural disturbances, also known as behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). Several non‐pharmacological interventions have been evaluated to treat BPSD in people with dementia. Simulated presence therapy (SPT), an intervention […]
Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination III (ACE‐III) and mini‐ACE for the detection of dementia and mild cognitive impairment
Abstract Background The number of new cases of dementia is projected to rise significantly over the next decade. Thus, there is a pressing need for accurate tools to detect cognitive impairment in routine clinical practice. The Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination III (ACE‐III), and the mini‐ACE are brief, bedside cognitive screens that have previously reported good sensitivity […]
Animal-assisted therapy for dementia
Abstract Background Dementia is a chronic condition which progressively affects memory and other cognitive functions, social behaviour, and ability to carry out daily activities. To date, no treatment is clearly effective in preventing progression of the disease, and most treatments are symptomatic, often aiming to improve people’s psychological symptoms or behaviours which are challenging for […]
Cerebrolysin for vascular dementia
Abstract Background Although vascular dementia is the second most common cause of dementia globally, evidence‐based treatments are still lacking. Cerebrolysin is a porcine brain‐derived preparation that is said to have neurotrophic and neuroprotective activity. In many parts of the world Cerebrolysin, given as a series of daily intravenous infusions, is used as a potential intervention […]
Memantine for dementia
Abstract Background Memantine is a moderate affinity uncompetitive antagonist of glutamate NMDA receptors. It is licensed for use in moderate and severe Alzheimer’s disease (AD); in the USA, it is also widely used off‐label for mild AD. Objectives To determine efficacy and safety of memantine for people with dementia. To assess whether memantine adds benefit […]
Computerised cognitive training for preventing dementia in people with mild cognitive impairment
Abstract Background The number of people living with dementia is increasing rapidly. Clinical dementia does not develop suddenly, but rather is preceded by a period of cognitive decline beyond normal age‐related change. People at this intermediate stage between normal cognitive function and clinical dementia are often described as having mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Considerable research […]