Alzheimer’s disease (AD): non-drug management

Written and reviewed by Dr Ibrahim Imam, Consultant Neurologist. Last reviewed .

Alzheimer’s disease (AD): non-drug management. Deliver the diagnosis with compassion and empathy. Fully referenced neurology checklist.

Relaying the diagnosis

  • Deliver the diagnosis with compassion and empathy
  • Ask about diagnosis preference
  • Convey realistic hope
  • Provide practical strategies
  • Provide education and access to high-quality resources
  • Provide written summary of diagnosis and management plan

Give written information on clinical and social issues

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Discuss advanced directives

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Assess functional impairments

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Non-drug treatments of cognitive dysfunction

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References

  1. A NICE–SCIE Guideline on supporting people with dementia and their carers in health and social care National Clinical Practice Guideline Number 42. November 2006.
  2. Armstrong MJ, BedenfieldN, Rosselli M, et al. Best practices for communicating a diagnosis of dementia: results of a multi-stakeholder modified Delphi consensus process. Neurol Clin Pract 2024; 14:e200223.
  3. NICE Guidance NG97: Dementia: assessment, management and support for people living with dementia and their carers. June 2018.
  4. Hogan DB, Bailey P, Black S, et al. Diagnosis and treatment of dementia: 4. Approach to management of mild to moderate dementia. CMAJ 2008; 179:787-793.
  5. Galvin JE, Roe CE, Powlishta KK, et al. The AD8: a brief informant interview to detect dementia. Neurology 2005; 65:559-564.
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