Semantic dementia; Dementia - semantic; Frontotemporal dementia; Arnold Pick's disease
Treatment
There is no specific treatment for Pick's disease. Certain antidepressants may help manage mood swings related to Pick's disease, but further research is needed.
Sometimes patients with Pick's take the same medications used to treat other types of dementia, such as medications that decrease the breakdown of the chemical messenger, acetylcholine (anticholinesterase inhibitors), and memantine (Namenda).
In some cases, stopping or changing medications that worsen
-
Analgesics - Anticholinergics
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Central nervous system depressants - Cimetidine
- Lidocaine
It's important to treat any disorders that contribute to confusion. These may include:
-
Anemia - Decreased oxygen (
hypoxia ) -
Heart failure - Infections
- Nutritional disorders
-
Thyroid disorders - Psychiatric conditions such as
depression
Treating any medical and psychiatric disorders often helps improve mental function.
Medications may be needed to control aggressive, dangerous, or
Some patients may need hearing aids, glasses,
Behavior modification can help some people control unacceptable or dangerous behaviors. This consists of rewarding appropriate or positive behaviors and ignoring inappropriate behaviors (when it's safe to do so).
Formal psychotherapy treatment doesn't always work, because it can cause further confusion or disorientation.
Reality
Depending on the symptoms and severity of the disease, the patient may need monitoring and help with personal hygiene and self-care. Eventually, there may be a need for 24-hour care and monitoring at home or in a special facility. Family counseling can help the person cope with the changes needed for home care.
Care may include:
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