Diagnosis and treatment of cognitive impairment

Z Gerontol Geriatr. 2019 Jul;52(4):309-315. doi: 10.1007/s00391-019-01560-0. Epub 2019 Jun 3.

Abstract

As a result of the aging population dementia is a growing challenge, especially in healthcare. Nevertheless, cognitive disorders are often not systematically evaluated, especially during hospital stays for other reasons; however, cognitive impairment is associated with a number of geriatric syndromes, including falls, delirium, dysphagia and lack of adherence to treatment plans. This article considers the current state of diagnosis and treatment of dementia. Non-pharmacological therapeutic approaches as well as current and future pharmacological treatment options are discussed. The drugs of choice for the symptomatic treatment of cognitive deficits in Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson-associated dementia are cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine; there is no specific pharmacological treatment for other types of dementia. Prevention and treatment of cardiovascular risk factors can potentially retard the progression of possibly all forms of dementia.

Keywords: Alzheimer disease; Antidementia agents; Dementia; Imaging; Prevention.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Alzheimer Disease
  • Cholinesterase Inhibitors / adverse effects
  • Cholinesterase Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Cognitive Dysfunction / drug therapy*
  • Cognitive Dysfunction / therapy*
  • Dementia
  • Humans
  • Memantine / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Cholinesterase Inhibitors
  • Memantine