When a loved one or resident is diagnosed with dementia, one of the first questions families and staff ask is: how do we treat it? While there’s currently no cure, there are treatments, both medical and non-medical, that can improve quality of life, slow decline, and support independence.

This article explores the full landscape of dementia treatment, where Cognitive Stimulation Therapy fits in, and how care homes can make informed choices about combining therapies for the best outcomes.

Medical Treatments

There are a few medications licensed to treat the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia. These include donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine, and memantine. They work by balancing neurotransmitters in the brain, which can help improve memory, awareness, and ability to carry out daily tasks.

However, medications are not suitable for everyone, and their benefits can be modest. That’s why the NHS and organisations like Alzheimer’s Society stress the importance of combining drug treatments with non-drug therapies, especially those that stimulate the brain and maintain social connection.

Non-Medical Treatments

Non-drug interventions are increasingly recognised as essential for dementia care. These include:

• Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) – structured group sessions that enhance thinking and communication.
• Reminiscence Therapy – using life stories and familiar objects to stimulate memory.
• Occupational Therapy – helping people adapt their environment and maintain independence.
• Music, art, and exercise therapy – promoting mood, coordination, and self-expression.

Among these, CST stands out as the only non-drug intervention specifically recommended by NICE (the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) for people with mild to moderate dementia.

How CST Fits In

CST complements other treatments beautifully. While medication targets the chemical side of brain function, CST targets the behavioural and social side. Together, they address both brain and person.

For residents who are not on medication, CST offers an evidence-based alternative. For those taking medication, CST enhances its impact by providing ongoing mental and emotional stimulation. It’s also flexible, as it can be delivered in care homes, day centres, or community settings.

Deciding Which Treatments to Use

Choosing the right combination depends on several factors: type of dementia, stage, overall health, and personal preferences. A good rule of thumb is that every person with dementia should have access to both medical and cognitive support.

Care homes can play a vital role by integrating CST into care plans and liaising with GPs or memory services to ensure a joined-up approach. Families should be informed that while medication may ease symptoms, therapies like CST can make day-to-day life more meaningful and fulfilling.

The Role of the Care Home

Implementing CST positions a care home as a proactive, therapeutic environment. Rather than being seen as purely residential, it becomes a place of continued growth and engagement. Staff training and regular delivery ensure that residents receive consistent, high-quality stimulation alongside their physical care.

Conclusion

Treating dementia is about more than prescriptions, it’s about people. Combining medical treatments with Cognitive Stimulation Therapy offers a balanced, evidence-based approach that supports both the brain and the person living with dementia. For care homes, CST isn’t just a therapy; it’s a cornerstone of modern, person-centred dementia care.

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