Cognitively-oriented treatments in dementia

Abstract No intervention exists that can stop or reverse the progression of symptoms in people with dementia; however, several nonpharmacological treatments, including cognitively oriented treatments (COTs) and physical activity (PA) treatments, have shown promise in relation to cognitive outcomes. This chapter summarizes the cognitive and associated functional limitations of people with dementia, discusses the nature of the main approaches to COTs, and provides an overview of the evidence in relation to cognitive training, cognitive rehabilitation and cognitive stimulation therapy, as well as physical activity treatments. Clinician knowledge, competence, and confidence, the appropriateness of the intervention for that person, person with dementia engagement, and care partner involvement should be considered when implementing interventions. Ethnoracial and cultural factors, pragmatic trials, combination treatments, and new technologies are areas of future development and treatment.