Treating Anxiety in Dementia PatientsAnxiety is common in people with dementia and can be associated with agitation.  dementia wandering prevention It can affect their ability to think clearly and they may have a range of physical symptoms, such as fast or irregular heartbeats (palpitations) and shortness of breath.There are several ways that doctors can treat anxiety in a person with dementia. Some of these methods are medication, while others are talk therapies and behavioural approaches.Medications that can be prescribed for anxiety include lorazepam and oxazepam, both of which are commonly used benzodiazepines. These drugs can help to calm a person with dementia by binding to g-aminobutyric acid receptors in the brain.Cognitive-behavioural therapy is also a good treatment option for anxiety in dementia. CBT can be delivered in person or by telephone and aims to change negative thoughts and behaviours, so that a person with dementia feels better. It also teaches them techniques to deal with their anxiety in the future, such as reducing stress and worrying about things that can't be changed.Other types of treatment include reminiscence therapy, which helps to stimulate the senses by focusing on memories, and validation therapy, which provides a safe environment in which patients can express their feelings. These techniques can help to relieve the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as agitation and pacing.There are few psychological treatments that are specifically designed to treat anxiety in dementia, although a number of non-medication approaches have been shown to be effective. However, a significant problem in dementia care is the lack of evidence-based psychosocial interventions for anxiety in this population.