There is no known cure for dementia, but there are drugs and other therapies that can help with some of the symptoms. With a combination of these, lots of people can live well with dementia for many years. Four drugs have been developed to treat Alzheimer’s disease.

A person with vascular dementia will usually be prescribed drugs to treat any underlying conditions, such as high blood pressure or heart problems.

People with dementia can also benefit from approaches that don’t involve drugs. One example is reminiscence therapy, which involves talking about things from the past, using prompts such as photos or music. Another example is cognitive stimulation, which might involve doing word puzzles or discussing current affairs.

People with dementia may experience depression or anxiety. They are often prescribed antidepressant medication and may be offered talking therapies, such as counselling or cognitive behavioural therapy.