Summary
The authors examined 23 systematic reviews about the benefits of non-pharmacological, pharmacological and alternative therapies on activities of daily living (ADL) in people with dementia. Interventions thought to be effective (based on evidence sometimes judged to be “low quality”) include: (i) physical exercise, (ii) dyadic interventions and (iii) pharmacological treatments including acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and memantine, selegiline, huperzine A and Ginkgo biloba.
“Healthcare professionals should ensure that people with dementia are encouraged to exercise and that primary carers are trained and supported to provide safe and effective care… ”
Reference
Laver, K. Dyer, S. [and] Whitehead, C. [et al] (2016). Interventions to delay functional decline in people with dementia: a systematic review of systematic reviews. BMJ Open. April 27th 2016, Vol.6(4), e010767. (Click here to view the PubMed abstract).
