@wtr2026, sure, I’ll share what I know, but I think there may be some other threads that will help too. My understanding so far….the treatments that are available for cognitive decline and dementia depends on the cause of the condition. I believe the meds have been approved for Alzheimer’s. Please chime in if that is not accurate. So, if my loved one was experiencing issues, it would be imperative to know why.

When my cousin first got severe symptoms, I jumped in as her health care POA. I got her in with her PCP and then a neurologist to find out what was causing the problem. She was only 63 years old, but had severe vascular dementia. I wanted to rule out a brain tumor, vitamin deficiency, fluid in the brain, etc. For me, that’s why determining the cause was important. Sadly, at the time her doctors said the meds for symptoms were designed for Alzheimer’s and not vascular dementia. She didn’t take them and progressed rapidly. She lived for 6 years. Two of those on hospice.

My father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. He went on Aricept and Memantine fairly early. They were very helpful for him and we believe it helped him maintain much more function for a much longer time otherwise. With his doctor’s recommendation, (there aren’t studies that support the continued use if meds after severe stage is reached). I started lessening these meds once, but resumed after he seemed to do much worse. I resumed the meds and he went back to the same level. I let his doctor know.
So, I strongly encourage those meds.

But, my main excitement about meds are those that have recently been approved. I think that are intravenous meds and are quite expensive. I’ve read several posts around here about people getting those treatments! I hope and pray they work well. It’s worth a try, imo. Previously, there weren’t many options for people facing dementia. Now, there are and a possibility to delay progression. I’m hoping it turns out well!

This link describes the treatments, including the new iv infusion treatments.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/in-depth/alzheimers-treatments/art-20047780