There is no cure for mild cognitive impairment. Often treating the coexisting conditions, such as high blood pressure or depression, will reduce cognitive problems. Scientists are searching for treatments that may delay or prevent the progression to Alzheimer's disease or other dementias.

Alzheimer's meds

During the first year of a three-year study, the rate of progression from mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer's was much lower in the people who took donepezil (Aricept). However, that difference disappeared by the end of the study.  We will often recommend starting an Alzheimer’s medication if there is a family history of dementia or the patient has many dementia risk factors.

High blood pressure meds

People who have mild cognitive impairment are also more likely to have problems with the blood vessels inside their brains. High blood pressure can worsen these problems and cause memory difficulties. That's why it's important to keep your blood pressure at normal levels.

Antidepressants

Depression is common in people who have mild cognitive impairment, and depression, itself, can cause memory problems. Treating depression may help improve memory, while making it easier to cope with the changes in your life.

Lifestyle

• Lifestyle changes can prevent and even reverse mild cognitive impairment.  Here are some of the most common ones we implement with our patients.
• Exercise your muscles. Physical exercise helps reduce your risk of developing memory problems.  We recommend at least 30 minutes of cardiovascular training at least 4 times a week.  Lifting weights is helpful too, but it’s the aerobic exercise that seems to have the most impact on the brain.
• Exercise your brain. Engaging in intellectually challenging activities has been associated with better memory skills.  We often prescribe neurobics for our patients—go to www.neurobics.com
• Avoid isolation. People who have a limited social network may have a much greater risk of developing dementia.
• Sleep well. Memory problems have been associated with sleep disorders. Discuss with your doctor your sleep habits and patterns.

Dimensia Treatment and Prevention

Initial treatment

If the cause of dementia can be reversed, the doctor will prescribe treatment. For example, the person might:

•    Take vitamins for a deficiency of vitamin B12.
•    Take thyroid hormones for hypothyroidism.
•    Have surgery to remove a brain tumor or to reduce pressure on the brain.
•    Stop or change medicines that are causing memory loss or confusion.
•    Take medicines to treat an infection, such as encephalitis, that is causing changes in mental state.
•    Take medicine to treat depression.
•    Get treatment for reversible conditions caused by AIDS.

For people with vascular dementia, doctors may prescribe medicines to lower high blood pressure and medicines for high cholesterol (statins). These drugs cannot reverse existing dementia, but they may prevent future strokes and heart disease that can lead to further brain damage.

If the cause of dementia cannot be treated, the doctor will work with the person and caregivers to develop a plan to make life easier and more comfortable. While medicines cannot cure dementia, they may help improve mental function, mood, or behavior. Medicines that your doctor may prescribe include:

•    Cholinesterase inhibitors such as donepezil (Aricept), galantamine (Reminyl), or rivastigmine (Exelon), to improve or maintain mental function. These drugs were developed to treat Alzheimer's disease, but they may be used in other dementias.
•    Memantine (Namenda). This type of medicine can slow the late stages of Alzheimer's disease. It may also benefit those with mild to moderate vascular dementia.
•    Supplements—we use many different supplements such as Gingko Biloba, acetyl-carnitine, phospatidyl serine, L-tyrosine, huperazine. Phosphorus choline and others.  Make sure you find a practitioner who is knowledgeable about using supplements.
 
Prevention

The best thing you can do to prevent dementia is to live a brain healthy life.  Here are some suggestions. 

•    Treat or prevent high blood pressure.
•    Do not smoke.
•    Stay at a healthy weight. This also reduces your risk of diabetes, another risk factor for dementia.
•    Keep your cholesterol in the normal range.
•    Get regular exercise.
•    Stay mentally alert by learning new hobbies, reading, or solving crossword puzzles.
•    Stay involved socially. Attend community activities, church, or support groups.
•    Eat a brain healthy diet.
•    Don’t play heavy contact sports such as boxing
•    Always wear helmets when riding you bicycle
•    Take your vitamins