Unit 4222-368 Medication Essay

1.1 OUTLINE THE MOST COMMON MEDICATIONS USED TO TREAT SYMPTOMS OF DEMENTIA

• Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (Donopezil, Rivastigamine, Galantamine) – they are licenced to treat mild to moderate cases of Alzheimer’s disease and can be used in some cases of Levi-Body’s dementia. They are particularly effective in treating halucinations
• Memantine hydrochloride – works by blocking the effect of a chemical in the brain and is normally used for severe cases of Alzheimer’s disease
• Antipsychotics (Haloperidol, Quetiapine, Risperidone) – these are the medicines to treat aggression and agitation in dementia patients
• Antidepressants (Citalopram, Sertraline) – they treat depression and anxieties that are not uncommon symptoms for patients with dementia
• Analgesic medications (Paracetamol, Codeine, Morphine) – they are used commonly to treat pain (or possible pain) in dementia patients showing signs of anxiety, agitation and challenging behaviour
• Antibiotics – used to treat any possible viral, bacterial or fungal infections

1.2 DESCRIBE HOW COMMONLY USED MEDICATIONS AFFECT INDIVIDUALS WITH DEMENTIA

Every medication has usually two possible effects – positive and negative. Positive effects treat the illness or symptoms that the medication is licenced and prescribed for. Negative effects are the ‘side effects’ which can occur while taking the medication. The side effects are always stated on the leaflet that comes with the medication. Medications used to treat symptoms of dementia or medications commonly used for people with dementia are no different.

From the above mentioned types of medications (1.1) the examples of possible effects are as follows:

POSITIVE EFFECTS:
- Brighter mood
- Ability to improve memory and cognition
- Ability to participate in day-to-day activities
- Fighting infections
- Reducing pain levels
- Reducing anxiety
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