Treatment of dementia: recommendations of the Scientific Department of Cognitive Neurology and Aging of the Brazilian Academy of Neurology

Abstract

There is currently no cure for neurodegenerative or vascular dementias, but some pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions may contribute to alleviate symptoms, slow disease progression and improve quality of life. Current treatment approaches are based on etiology, symptom profile and stage of dementia. This manuscript presents recommendations on pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments of dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease, vascular cognitive impairment, frontotemporal dementia, Parkinson’s disease dementia, and dementia with Lewy bodies.

Behavioral or neuropsychiatric symptoms of Alzheimer's disease: from psychopathology to pharmacological management

“…27 28 The decision on the specific medication must consider the targeted behavioral symptom or domain, the patient's medical comorbidities, and polypharmacy. 29 30 For instance, for affective symptoms, antidepressants, mainly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are the primary choice. Optimization of anticholinesterase treatment seems to contribute to these symptoms as well.…”

Declínio cognitivo subjetivo, comprometimento cognitivo leve e demência - diagnóstico sindrômico: recomendações do Departamento Científico de Neurologia Cognitiva e do Envelhecimento da Academia Brasileira de Neurologia

“…A avaliação cognitiva breve usando o MEEM e o estadiamento do quadro demencial por meio do CDR são necessários para solicitar o tratamento farmacológico que retarda a progressão dos sintomas da demência devido à DA em estágio leve a moderado pelo Sistema Único de Saúde brasileiro (SUS). Os inibidores da acetilcolinesterase são fornecidos pelo SUS para DA leve a moderada e memantina para DA moderada a grave 38 .O tratamento das demências será discutido de forma abrangente nesse consenso 39 .…”

Subjective cognitive decline, mild cognitive impairment, and dementia - syndromic approach: recommendations of the Scientific Department of Cognitive Neurology and Aging of the Brazilian Academy of Neurology

“…SUS provides acetylcholinesterase inhibitors for mild to moderate AD and memantine to moderate to severe AD 38 . This consensus will comprehensively discuss dementia treatment 39 .…”