Uma revisão de literatura das terapias farmacológicas e não farmacológicas no tratamento da demência

Abstract

The present article addresses dementia, a neurodegenerative syndrome characterized by the progressive deterioration of cognitive functions, which affects millions of people worldwide, especially in aging populations. The increasing prevalence of dementia, associated with the rising life expectancy, poses significant public health challenges, requiring therapeutic approaches to improve the quality of life for patients. In light of this, this study aims to analyze the pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies used in the treatment of dementia, evaluating their efficacy, limitations, and benefits, as well as discussing the importance of integrative approaches that combine both therapeutic modalities. The analysis of pharmacological therapies includes cholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine) and NMDA receptor antagonists (memantine), as well as adjuvant therapies (antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anticonvulsants). Although these medications offer improvements in cognitive and behavioral symptoms, they present limitations in terms of efficacy and side effects. In conjunction, non-pharmacological therapies, such as psychosocial interventions (cognitive and behavioral therapy, reminiscence therapy, validation therapy, cognitive stimulation), occupational interventions (recreational activities, occupational therapy), physical interventions (physical exercise, physiotherapy, movement therapy), and alternative interventions (music therapy, art therapy, aromatherapy), demonstrate benefits in the patients' quality of life, addressing the cognitive, emotional, and social aspects of dementia. The results indicate that the integration of pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies provides a more effective approach to managing dementia. Thus, it is concluded that a personalized and multidisciplinary treatment, adapted to the individual needs of patients, is indispensable for optimizing therapeutic outcomes and improving the quality of life for those affected by the condition.