My grandmother is 88. alzheimer's and dimensia has set in quickly in the past two months. how or can it be treated? thank you

Supportive care: Cognitive medications like Aricept and Namenda (memantine) can slow the memory and cognitive decline, but aren't going to reverse or even maintain her current functioning. Providing her with a comfortable environment, be it at home or in an assisted living facility or skilled nursing facility where she can have the greatest quality of life as well as being supportive can be very helpful.

Can be treated: Dr tripp provides valuable advice, and the "memory enhancing meds we employ are rather unlikely to create more that modest impact, if that. A medical food, axona, may be used as a cognitive fuel and is worth trying. Exelon (rivastigmine) patch could be tried in concert with namenda, and each can now be used once daily. Need to provide advancing care for emerging issues as disease proceeds.

Alzheimer's???: Rapid onset of dementia like symptoms is often not alzheimer's. It can be another form of dementia such as vascular or multi-infarct (mini strokes) dementia or not dementia at all, such as delirium induced by different causes such as meds, etc. First, make sure it has been properly worked up by a phsycian. In addition to meds, exercise and intellectual stimulation are known to have some benefit.

Environment and meds: Making sure your grandmother has the right supports in her environment is key. Also reviewing medicines to make sure she is not on ones that increase her problems. Aricept, Exelon (rivastigmine) and reminyl can help with some problematic behaviors as can namenda. See an internist, geriatrician or geriatric psychiatrist or primary care for specific suggestions.