Casacchia_1999_Clin.Ter_150_425

In this paper we describe a brief report on the psychopharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment of the main degenerative dementias. We highlight the importance of using cholinesterase inhibitor drugs; moreover we describe the pharmacologic strategies for the related symptoms and the new pharmacologic approaches which include estrogen, non-steroidal-antiinflammatory agents and anti-oxidant agent, like vitamin-E. At least we briefly report the news from the ongoing clinical trials of other pharmacologic agents to improve cognitive functions and to slacken the neurodegenerative processes and the future pharmacological perspectives. In conclusion we briefly describe the non-pharmacological treatment with particular regard to psychoeducational, psychosocial and cognitive strategies that can enhance quality of life on both patients with dementia and their caregivers.