Treatment

What is Non-drug approaches?

Non-drug approaches are the first-line responses to distress in dementia: music, routine, exercise, light, activity, familiar objects and changes to the environment.

Evidence supports music, physical activity and structured meaningful activity for reducing agitation and improving mood. They are also free of side effects.

Doing them well takes time and knowledge of the person, which is why a trained caregiver achieves more than an untrained one.

Why it matters

Guidelines put these before medication for behaviour, and they are the part families can start today.

Sources

Where to check this, and where to read more. All external and all authoritative.

Non-drug approaches where you live

The local guide on this, for each city we cover.

Related terms

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