By now, it is understood that there is no “secret sauce” for treating Alzheimer’s or dementia. It’s a tricky combination of medication and environmental factors along with caregiving and family support. 

So far, there is not a medication that will acceptably treat dementia. Most of the prescribed drugs treat scenarios such as agitation, aggression, self-harm or depression. Often, an anti-psychotic will be used to treat those behaviors. 

Most of the studies involving anti-psychotic medications have shown little benefit for behavior disturbances in dementia. Usually medications are chosen based on their side effects, often creating negative results. Additionally, close to two-thirds of individuals never reach the medications' desired outcomes. 

Dr. Matthew Malone, DO, FAPA, associate chief medical officer for the Good Samaritan Society, is advocating for a new technique to help caregivers approach behavioral interventions. With the introduction of the DICE method, there is now a successful way to assess, evaluate and intervene in these behavioral disturbances. 

The DICE Method

Developed by University of Michigan researcher Helen Kales, MD, PPA, the DICE method is a way to describe, investigate, create and evaluate interventions for dementia. 

Dr. Malone provides details in the video below.

The components of the 4-step approach are: 

Dr. Kales says, “Behavior-based strategies may take longer than prescriptions. But if you teach people the principles behind DICE, the approach becomes more natural and part of one’s routine. It can be very empowering for caregivers or nursing home staff.”

Source: http://ihpi.umich.edu/news/non-drug-approaches-work-better-treat-dementia-behavioral-issues