Celexa anxiety dosage


Celexa for Anxiety: What You Need to Know

Celexa is a prescription medication typically used to treat symptoms of depression. Doctors may also use it for anxiety disorders.

In this article, we’ll explore how Celexa may be effective for anxiety, potential side effects, how to take it, and other ways to support anxiety care.

What is Celexa?

Celexa (citalopram hydrobromide) is an FDA-approved antidepressant medication used to treat adults who have been diagnosed with depression.

While the FDA has not approved Celexa for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), your doctor may prescribe it for this reason, which is known as “off-label” use.

Celexa belongs to a class of medications called  selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI).

SSRIs work to increase the amount of serotonin the brain by slowing the rate at which serotonin is cleared.

Serotonin is an important brain chemical that is partially responsible for regulating your mood, sleep, and metabolism.

Giving the brain more access to serotonin can result in an improved mood…which means it can be beneficial for both anxiety and depression. 

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Celexa uses

Celexa is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) or other depression-related symptoms or conditions.

It is also used off-label for other purposes, including anxiety.

How Celexa works

Celexa affects how your central nervous system (CNS) processes serotonin.

Serotonin is a brain chemical that helps regulate mood, sleep, and metabolism.

As an SSRI, Celexa  prevents the reuptake or clearance of serotonin by neurons in the brain, which means that your brain has more access to serotonin.

Additionally, while Celexa affects serotonin, it doesn’t effect other neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine and dopamine, making it a highly selective medication and resulting in fever unwanted side effects than some other SSRIs.

Can Celexa Treat Anxiety?

While the FDA has not specifically approved Celexa for treating anxiety, doctors have been using Celexa and other SSRIs off-label to successfully treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and other forms of anxiety, as well as other imbalances in the brain.

Celexa may produce feelings of calm in the brain by increasing serotonin levels, which may help to reduce feelings of anxiety or panic.

Off-label uses of Celexa

There are several common off-label uses of Celexa, in addition to GAD, which include:

  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
  • Panic disorder
  • Social anxiety disorder (SAD)
  • Separation anxiety disorder
  • Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
  • Binge eating disorder
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

What the research says

While Celexa has not been FDA-approved specifically for anxiety, research is promising.

In a small 12-week trial that used a dose range of 10-60 mg per day of Celexa, all of the study subjects experienced partial or full improvement in their anxiety symptoms.

This led to an improvement r in both social and occupational function. Notably, several patients felt better on Celexa than they did with previous SSRI trials.

Additionally, even at lower doses of 20-30 mg, Celexa was able to reduce anxiety levels in older adults who live in a community home setting, where anxiety is more frequently noted.

Why your doctor may prefer Celexa

Your doctor will select a medication for anxiety based on your health conditions, your symptoms, other medications you are taking, and many other factors.

Some doctors prefer Celexa because it is a highly selective SSRI, more so than other medications in this drug class, and it may lead to fewer changes to other neurotransmitters.

This may lead to fewer long-term side effects and more of the desired result.

Other Treatments for Anxiety

Your doctor has a variety of ways to treat anxiety.

They may recommend more than one way to address your symptoms.

Medications

There are many different types of medications that can address symptoms associated with anxiety disorders.

Your doctor will prescribe the one that they believe will be most effective.

Anxiety medications include:

  • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
  • Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
  • Tricyclic anxiety medications (TCAs)
  • Beta blockers
  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
  • Benzodiazepines

Therapies

Certain types of therapy have been shown to be effective for anxiety disorders.

What works for you may not work for everyone else, and vice versa.

Work with your doctor or therapist to communicate what helps and what doesn’t.

As with medication, therapy may take some time to reach the desired effects. 

Therapies that may support people with anxiety include:

  • Aromatherapy
  • Meditation and breathing exercises
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy
  • Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR)

Lifestyle changes

Lifestyle changes may help some people lessen the severity of anxiety or panic attacks.

Additionally, maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle is good for overall mood support and health, and will support other treatments for anxiety disorders.

Lifestyle changes to consider include:

  • Get regular physical activity
  • Cut back on caffeine
  • Don’t smoke
  • Reduce alcohol intake
  • Try herbal teas or supplements
  • Use a weighted blanket
  • Get enough sleep
  • Eat a nutritionally balanced diet
  • Spend time outdoors

Celexa Side Effects

Common side effects may resolve after your body adjusts to the medication.

Always inform your doctor if you notice new or worsening side effects or have concerns about how you feel while taking Celexa.

Around 10% of patients may experience side effects from Celexa.

Common side effects

Celexa is generally well-tolerated, but may cause some side effects, especially as you adjust to taking it as a new medication.

Common Celexa side effects include:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Dry mouth
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Sweating

Some side effects occur more frequently when taking higher doses of Celexa. These may include:

  • Impotence
  • Fatigue
  • Drowsiness
  • Insomnia
  • Yawning

Severe side effects

Less commonly, severe side effects of Celexa may include:

  • Serotonin syndrome
  • Myocardial infarction
  • Hemorrhage
  • Cerebrovascular accident
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Mania
  • Hyponatremia

How to Take Celexa

Celexa is available as a tablet or a liquid. Tablets come in 10, 20, or 40 mg tablets. The liquid dosage is 2 mg per mL.

This medication is taken one time per day at the same time, either morning or evening.

Your doctor and pharmacist will clearly explain your dosage and how to take it.

If you miss a dose of Celexa, take it as soon as you remember that you have missed it.

If you are closer to your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your normal schedule with the next one.

Do not double up on Celexa doses.

How long does Celexa take to work?

It takes a week of consistently taking Celexa before your body reaches a steady concentration of the medication.

After that, like with other SSRIs, it may take up to six to eight weeks before you will experience the full effects of taking the medication.

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Celexa Precautions

All antidepressants come with black box warnings.

While rare, they can increase the risk for self-harm or suicide in some people.

If you or someone you love are taking an antidepressant, including Celexa, you should watch for the following signs:

  • Agitation, aggression, or hostility
  • Increased or worsening anxiety
  • Panic attacks
  • Irritability
  • Insomnia
  • Impulsiveness
  • Unusual changes in behavior
  • Suicidal thoughts or discussion 
  • Restlessness
  • Manic behavior

All of these symptoms, or other feelings of concern, should be reported immediately to health care providers.

If you or someone you know is having any thoughts of hurting themselves or others, please make sure that they are safe and take them to the ER.

If you’re having a mental health emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. You can also get free 24/7 support from a suicide and crisis expert by calling or texting 988. If you’d prefer to chat online, you can chat with a suicide and crisis expert by visiting the Lifeline Chat.

Do not stop taking Celexa suddenly. Antidepressants require tapering to prevent serious reactions or withdrawal.

If you need to stop taking it, your doctor will work with you to create a tapering schedule.

This will minimize negative effects and the potential for serious side effects.

Celexa has serious interactions with another class of drugs known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).

People who are taking pimozide should not take Celexa.

Always tell your healthcare provider any other drugs, supplements, or OTC medications that you are taking.

People who are older than age 60 and those who have decreased liver function will experience higher concentrations of Celexa for longer periods of time.

If you have liver problems, make sure that your prescribing physician knows.

Dosage recommendations are lower for older adults and for liver problems, and it may take longer for it to clear your system in these cases.

Celexa and other SSRIs may increase the risk of bleeding, especially if you take aspirin, NSAID drugs, or anticoagulant drugs (warfarin, heparin, others).

If you take any type of blood-thinning medication or bruise or bleed easily, make sure that your health care provider knows before you start taking Celexa.

How K Health Can Help

Think you might need a prescription for Celexa (citalopram)?

K Health has clinicians standing by 24/7 to evaluate your symptoms and determine if citalopram is right for you.

Get started with our free assessment, which will tell you in minutes if treatment could be a good fit. If yes, we’ll connect you right to a clinician who can prescribe medication and have it shipped right to your door.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Celexa the best medication for anxiety?

Celexa is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), a type of antidepressant that increases the amount of available serotonin in your brain. While it is FDA-approved for treating depression, it is also used off-label for anxiety. While there is more research supporting its use for depression, there are also some studies that have shown it is effective for anxiety.. Your doctor will recommend Celexa if they believe that it will be the best for you.

Is Celexa better for anxiety or depression?

Celexa is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), a type of antidepressant. While it is FDA-approved for treating depression, it is also used off-label for anxiety. There is more research supporting its use for depression, but that does not mean it won’t be effective for your anxiety. Your doctor will recommend Celexa if they believe that it will be the best option to try.

Does Celexa calm you down?

Celexa is an antidepressant and, like most other antidepressants, takes around six to eight weeks to start fully working. You may notice improvements in your mood or a decrease in your anxiety sooner, but a single dose of Celexa does not work to instantly calm you down. The medication needs to build up in your system to have a significant effect, which may eventually lead to feeling calmer and more balanced.

What is the most common side effect of Celexa?

The most common side effects of Celexa are nausea and dry mouth.

K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.

K Health has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references.

  • Citalopram. (2022).
    ​​https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a699001.html

  • Celexa label. (2012).
    https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2012/020822s042,021046s019lbl.pdf

  • Citalopram. (2021).
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482222/

  • Treatment of generalized anxiety disorder with citalopram. (2002).
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11981350/

  • A review of citalopram dose restrictions in the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders in older adults. (2019).
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6607952/

  • The diagnosis and treatment of anxiety disorders. (2018).
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6206399/

  • The Role of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy in Medicine: Addressing the Psychological and Physical Symptoms Stemming from Adverse Life Experiences. (2014).
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3951033/

  • Treatment of anxiety disorders. (2017).
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5573566/

How and when to take citalopram

Dosage and strength

Citalopram comes in 10mg, 20mg and 40mg tablets.

The usual dose of citalopram is 20mg a day for adults. But you might start at a lower dose and increase to a maximum dose of 40mg a day.

If you are taking citalopram to prevent panic attacks, your starting dose will usually be 10mg once a day. If you're over 65 years old, or have liver problems, the maximum recommended dose is 20mg a day.

The usual dose of citalopram for children is 10mg a day, but this may be increased to 40mg a day.

With liquid drops of citalopram, taking 4 drops is the same as a 10mg tablet.

How to take it

You’ll usually take citalopram once a day. You can take it at any time of day, but it’s best to stick to the same time every day.

You can take it with or without food.

If you have trouble sleeping, it's best to take it in the morning.

If you are taking citalopram liquid drops, mix them with water and drink it straight away.

It’s best not to take the drops without water.

How long to take it

Once you’re feeling better it’s likely that you’ll continue taking citalopram for several more months.

Most doctors recommend that you take antidepressants for 6 months to a year. Stopping before that time can make depression come back.

The decision to stop your treatment or carry on will depend on what symptoms you have and how serious they are. It will also depend on how well citalopram works for you, and whether you have had any bad side effects.

If you forget to take it for

If you occasionally forget to take a dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose the next day at the usual time. Never take 2 doses at the same time to make up for a forgotten one.

If you forget doses often, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicine.

If you take too much

The amount of citalopram that can lead to an overdose varies from person to person.

Taking too much can cause symptoms such as:

  • being sick (vomiting)
  • shaking
  • feeling sleepy
  • fast heart rate
  • fits or seizures

Urgent advice: Contact 111 for advice now if:

  • you take more than your prescribed dose of citalopram

Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111.

If you need to go to A&E, do not drive yourself. Get someone else to drive you or call for an ambulance.

Take the citalopram packet, or the leaflet inside it, plus any remaining medicine with you.

Stopping citalopram

If you have been feeling better for 6 months or more, your doctor may suggest coming off citalopram. They will probably recommend reducing your dose gradually over several weeks, or longer if you have been taking citalopram for a long time.

This helps to stop any withdrawal symptoms you might get as a reaction to coming off the medicine.

These can include:

  • feeling dizzy
  • feeling sick
  • numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
  • trouble sleeping
  • feeling agitated or anxious
  • headaches
  • shaking

Important: Important

Do not stop taking citalopram suddenly or without talking to your doctor first.

Page last reviewed: 9 February 2022
Next review due: 9 February 2025

Cellex instructions for use: indications, contraindications, side effects - description of Cellex solution for s / c injection 0.1 mg / 1 ml: amp. 1 ml or 2 ml 1, 2, 4, 5 or 10 pcs. in set with sterile. syringe filter (33303)

📜 Instructions for use Cellex ®

💊 The composition of the drug Telex ®

✅ Application of the Preparation Pollex ®

📅 Storage Conditions ®

⏳ PERFORE OF PERFORMANCE ®


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Product Description Cellex ® (Cellex)

Based on the official instructions for use of the drug, approved by the manufacturer and prepared for the electronic edition of the Vidal Handbook 2016 year, update date: 2021. 07.05

Marketing authorization holder:

PHARM-SINTEZ JSC (Russia)

Produced:


COMPANY DEKO, LLC (Russia)

Contacts for inquiries:


PHARM-SINTEZ CJSC (Russia)

ATX codes


  • N06BX (Other psychostimulants and nootropics)
  • N07XX (Other drugs for the treatment of diseases of the nervous system)

Dosage form


Cellex ®

Solution for s / c injection 0. 1 mg / 1 ml: amp. 1 ml or 2 ml 1, 2, 4, 5 or 10 pcs. in set with sterile. syringe filter

reg. No.: LP-001393 from 20.12.11 - Indefinitely

Release form, packaging and composition Cellex

®

Solution for s / c injection transparent, colorless or light yellow, odorless or with a specific odor; opalescence is allowed; the presence of individual strands of coagulate is allowed. cellex0065

0.1 mg.

* Composition per 1 ml.
Active substance: porcine brain polypeptides active substance in terms of total protein 0.9-2.4 mg (nominal total protein content 1.65 mg per 1 ml of substance).
Excipients: glycine - 3.75 mg, 0.1M disodium hydrogen phosphate solution - up to pH 7.8 (about 0. 8 mg of dry matter), sodium chloride - 5.85 mg, polysorbate 80 - 0.005 mg, purified water - up to 1 ml.

1 ml - dark glass ampoules (1) complete with a sterile syringe filter - blister packs made of polyvinyl chloride film (1) - packs of cardboard.
1 ml - dark glass ampoules (1) complete with a sterile syringe filter - blister packs made of polyvinyl chloride film (2) - packs of cardboard.
1 ml - dark glass ampoules (2) complete with a sterile syringe filter - blister packs made of polyvinyl chloride film (1) - cardboard packs.
1 ml - dark glass ampoules (2) complete with a sterile syringe filter - blister packs made of polyvinyl chloride film (2) - packs of cardboard.
1 ml - dark glass ampoules (5) complete with a sterile syringe filter - blister packs made of polyvinyl chloride film (1) - packs of cardboard.
1 ml - dark glass ampoules (5) complete with a sterile syringe filter - blister packs made of polyvinyl chloride film (2) - cardboard packs.
2 ml - dark glass ampoules (1) complete with a sterile syringe filter - blister packs made of polyvinyl chloride film (1) - packs of cardboard.
2 ml - dark glass ampoules (1) complete with a sterile syringe filter - blister packs made of polyvinyl chloride film (2) - packs of cardboard.
2 ml - dark glass ampoules (2) complete with a sterile syringe filter - blister packs made of polyvinyl chloride film (1) - packs of cardboard.
2 ml - dark glass ampoules (2) complete with a sterile syringe filter - blister packs made of polyvinyl chloride film (2) - packs of cardboard.
2 ml - dark glass ampoules (5) complete with a sterile syringe filter - blister packs made of polyvinyl chloride film (1) - packs of cardboard.
2 ml - dark glass ampoules (5) complete with a sterile syringe filter - blister packs made of polyvinyl chloride film (2) - packs of cardboard.

Clinical and pharmacological group: Nootropic drug

Pharmacotherapeutic group: Nootropic

Contacts for inquiries


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Prevention of dementia in young, middle and older people

Senile dementia is a complex and painful condition, which, according to WHO statistics, unfortunately affects more than 30% of older people. It is important to remember that this disease does not occur suddenly, the middle and severe stages are preceded by a number of symptoms, on the basis of which even at home it is possible to determine the likelihood of further development of the disease. Moreover, even in the later stages, senile or vascular dementia, as it is also called, can be treated and stabilized. That is why it is very important to recognize the symptoms in time and seek help from a specialist. In this article, we will talk about the symptoms, ways to prevent and treat senile dementia.

The main symptoms of the disease are reduced memory and attention, as well as changes in the speech and behavior of the patient, which he himself may not notice. There can be several reasons for development, including, first of all, hereditary predisposition, the physiological state of the body (vascular dystonia, for example), previous diseases, and even a social factor, by which we mean the way and conditions of a person’s life, as well as the presence of stressful situations.

How senile dementia manifests itself

The general clinical history can be represented by a number of symptoms of varying severity, basically depending on the initial state of the patient's body, as well as on the state of the cerebral structures of the brain and the causes of their dysfunction, one of which is aging associated with age.

Whatever the initial causes, in any case, intensive destructive changes in the intellectual and emotional spheres can be attributed to all types of manifestation of the disease. Forgetfulness, deconcentration, inability to concentrate, bad mood, apathy and senile depression - all these signs are associated with the manifestation of impending dementia. If you do not turn to a specialist in time, then the risk factors described above can lead to complete degradation of the individual. Once again, we recall that dementia does not develop spontaneously, progressive degradation occurs already at later stages, which can be prevented.

Signs of dementia

The list of underlying signs includes the following

  • Problems remembering information
  • Decreased intellectual ability
  • Loss of existing skills and abilities, as well as the impossibility of mastering new ones
  • Disorientation in space and problems with coordination of movements
  • Disorientation in time
  • Sleep disorders: daytime sleepiness and inability to sleep at night (inversion)
  • Depression and characteristic changes: mood problems, apathy, unreasonable aggression

How to recognize dementia

It is important to note that clinicians do not consider senile dementia a disease. In fact, this is a combination of painful factors that can lead to a similar condition, expressed mainly in intellectual and emotional-volitional dysfunctions. By the way, one of the reasons for the development of senile dementia is Alzheimer's disease.

Basic symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia:

  • Selective memory loss associated mainly with recent events. For example, the patient may remember the names of his great-grandparents, but forget that he put the pan on the stove.
  • Significant difficulties in organizing everyday life and solving everyday tasks, especially those that require planning.
  • Fear and difficulty with orientation in new, previously unfamiliar places.
  • Speech dysfunctions. Problems with expressing one's thoughts and constructing a phrase.
  • Account related problems. For example, it is often difficult for older people to count money or change in a store.
  • Unexpected mood swings, aggression.
  • Senile depression, apathy, loss of interest in what was previously interesting.
  • Fear of change and everything new.

If we talk about dementia in a more scientific language, then in the psychiatric community the first signs or symptoms of the manifestation of dementia are conventionally divided into three groups:

Three groups of symptoms of dementia

1 group. Neuropsychological

It is expressed in general amnesia, and then in aphasia (inability to remember the names of everyday objects). Also here can be attributed apraxia - the inability to perform the simplest tests, despite the safety of speech functions and motor skills. In other words, in ordinary life, the described symptoms are expressed in forgetting basic elementary things (the names of loved ones, for example), problems in finding things, as well as performing simple household operations (loss of skills).

2nd group. Neuropsychiatric (psycho-neurological)

Pathology in this case is expressed in causeless anxiety, unreasonable anxiety and behavioral disorders. At later stages, the development of hallusinosis is possible, more often hallucinations are auditory in nature, but in a certain number of cases they can also be visual. In the aspect of behavioral destruction, aggression and a tendency to aimless wandering are noted.

3 Group, undefined

It is expressed in everyday difficulties associated with forgetting or losing the significance of habitual everyday actions. For example, an elderly person may begin to neglect cleaning the house, taking a shower, being careless in appearance, etc.

What are the types of senile dementia

Basically, senile dementia is divided into two clusters: hereditary and acquired. Dementia that is inherited is called oligophrenia, and acquired during life is called dementia or vascular dementia. If we consider age-related dementia from a clinical point of view, then conditionally its forms can be divided into three types:

Lacunar dementia

Initially, it affects mnemonic functions, that is, memory. Disorders of intellectual activity may come later. With this type, the patient is still able to perform elementary actions, but begins to experience a growing sense of helplessness.

However, this type still does not affect the emotional-volitional aspect of the personality, which determines the stability of the patient's mood.

Total dementia

This form already affects the psycho-emotional sphere and is totally reflected in behavior. The patient's sense of shame and responsibility may be dulled, behavior changes radically, aggression and a tendency to obscene actions appear. Household destructions are clearly manifested, the patient ceases to follow the space and his appearance. It is with this type that the degradation of the personality begins.

Partial dementia

This includes periodic dementia, sometimes manifesting itself in memory and intellectual difficulties.

Prevention of dementia - how to prevent the development of the disease

It is important to remember that the fundamental method of prevention is early diagnosis and timely access to a specialist. For example, memory problems are not the first symptom of the disease; at this stage, the disease can already develop over several years. That is why it is extremely important to pay attention to your loved ones and keep track of even minor changes in their behavior and lifestyle. As we noted above, dementia is treatable and stabilizable, but it is important that the stage at which the patient turns to a specialist is not advanced. In the later stages, many drugs no longer have the desired effect. Another method of prevention is the annual examination of the state of the brain after 65 years. This is especially recommended for people with a genetic predisposition.

Prevention of dementia. General recommendations

General preventive recommendations that reduce the risk factors for the development of the disease primarily relate to the control of the functioning of the cognitive structures of the brain and the vascular system. This is why it is essential to monitor blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Regular monitoring will allow not only to diagnose the disease in the early stages and reduce the possibility of its manifestation in general. If an elderly person does not pay due attention to these parameters, then relatives need to take this under their own control.

The next point to pay attention to is constant physical activity, stable emotional background and avoidance of stressful situations. The implementation of these recommendations also largely depends on relatives and relatives. Sometimes, it is not so easy to force an elderly person who is in a bad mood to go outside and take a promenade. Stress and emotional swings in old age are also largely associated with an overabundance of unnecessary information that sounds from everywhere. Replacing the TV with walks will be an excellent preventive solution. It is also important not to forget about training the brain and its main functions to maintain the properties of memory and attention. Solving simple logical problems, puzzles, crossword puzzles, passing various tests, simple memory training games will not only help brighten up your leisure time, but also play a good role. If an elderly person is ready, then a great solution would be to study foreign languages ​​or try to regain lost knowledge.

How to avoid dementia. 7 rules to prevent dementia and Alzheimer's disease?

The following rules are recognized by psychiatrists around the world as the most effective and simple ways to help maintain a clear mind and a solid memory.

1. Healthy nutrition

Proper balanced nutrition can not only improve mood, but also slow down degenerative changes in neurons, and reduce the risk of developing hypertension. It is interesting to note that such a unique diet has already been developed by Martha Morris, a nutritionist at the Health Center in Chicago. The meaning of this diet involves the exclusion from the diet of foods that adversely affect brain function, namely: red meat, butter and its surrogates, sweets and pastries in large quantities, fried foods and fast food, as well as cheese. In return, it is proposed to consume more vegetables and herbs, nuts, berries and fruits, cereals and olive oil. Meat is recommended to be replaced with fish and poultry. By the way, this diet does not completely exclude alcohol and allows the use of red wine, within reasonable natural limits. It is also worth remembering the harmful effects of gluten on many body systems, including the brain.

2. Solar treatments and fresh air

Vitamin D has a huge benefit for our body, it reduces the risk factors for developing vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease. But, unfortunately, 90% of this substance can only be obtained from direct sunlight. Pharmaceutical preparations in their pure form cannot saturate the body with this vitamin in the same way as sunlight. By the way, osteoporosis and bone fragility develop precisely from a lack of vitamin D in the body. Thus, a moderate tan is one of the great ways to maintain health and longevity.

3. Say no to bad habits

In the diet described above, wine is an acceptable product, but of course, you need to remember about moderation in consumption: no more than 1-2 glasses per day. It is this dose of alcohol that activates the limbic system of the brain, which is responsible for memory. Alcohol abuse doubles the risk of developing dementia and other neurotic disorders. The second harmful factor is smoking. This addiction not only clogs blood vessels, which provokes the development of thrombosis, but also inhibits brain activity. Smokers have a 172% risk of developing dementia.

4. Train your brain activity

It's no secret that keeping one or another system in good shape involves regular exercise. If you do not load the brain with even the simplest tasks, then it relaxes and subsequently it will be quite difficult to get it back into shape. It is very important in old age not to forget about intellectual activity. Puzzles, rebuses, new languages, complex texts are perfect for this. The main thing is that the tasks are not monotonous, it is important to load the brain with new information.

5. Remember about physical activity

As they say, a healthy mind in a healthy body. Any physical activity has an extremely beneficial effect on brain function, and not only because during any cardio training brain cells are saturated with oxygen, but also because during physical activity the hormone oxytocin is produced, which is responsible for a good mood. A daily 1.5 km promenade reduces the risk of dementia by half.

6. Watch your sleep

According to studies, regular lack of sleep (sleep less than 7 hours a day) is extremely dangerous for the cognitive functions of the brain, as this condition provokes the production of beta-amyloid protein, which is one of the triggers for the development of Alzheimer's disease.

7. Avoid stressful situations

Any unpleasant or painful situation activates the production of the hormone cortisol (hormone of fear), which affects the functioning of the hippocampus (brain structure responsible for long-term memory). Oriental practices, meditation, calm music or just pleasant contemplation will help fight stress. In old age, maintaining peace of mind becomes a little easier than it seems, remember this.

Habits to help prevent dementia

Based on the above, the general recommendation for the prevention of dementia and Alzheimer's disease is primarily a correct and healthy lifestyle. For some, good habits are the norm and something taken for granted throughout life, but for some, getting on the “health path” is not so easy. The following simple list of habits will help maintain mental health and prevent dementia. So, first of all, you need to say “no” to smoking and “yes” to physical activity, monitor the presence of vitamin B in the diet, be in the sun to get the necessary portion of vitamin D, monitor the amount of alcohol consumed, read more and solve logical problems for training the cognitive functions of the brain, monitor weight and maintain social contacts.

Drug therapy

Drugs for the prevention of senile dementia and the treatment of dementia

Unfortunately, sometimes it happens that the disease is already progressing. In this case, it is extremely important to immediately seek help from a specialist who will prescribe a comprehensive course of relevant therapy, including medication support.

In the early stages, antidepressants and sedatives are usually prescribed.

  • A group of antidepressants used to relieve panic, anxiety, depression. This includes Chlorprothixene, Fluoxetine (Prozac), Citalopram (Celexa) . Application is possible only as directed by a doctor, since the active substances of this drug group can serve as a catalyst for the development of hallucinosis and aggravate the condition.
  • The second group includes a complex of sedatives to normalize sleep and reduce anxiety. It can be both herbal natural preparations and traditional medicine. The most popular are valerian or motherwort extract, as well as tincture of peony flowers, Novopassit . These funds are absolutely safe, but their effectiveness is also lower.
  • The third group is neuroleptics. They are prescribed already at the later stages of the disease, when psychomotor dysfunctions, hallucinosis or a state of delirium are added to the general symptoms. Antipsychotics not only neutralize the symptoms of neurosis, but also reduce the level of aggression, normalize sleep. Most popular: Risperidone (Risperdal), Olanzapine (Cuprexa), Haloperidol . Most often, drugs of this group are administered intramuscularly, thereby effectively blocking the possibility of developing psychoses. It is worth remembering that antipsychotics also have side effects, especially when taken in old age.

What is the prevention of dementia

Answering this question, we can say that saving drowning people is their own business, but from an ethical and even medical point of view, this will not be entirely true. The general scheme of prevention, as we found out, is the right way of life, social and emotional relevance, maintaining interest in the world around us, and of course, paying close attention to one's own health and well-being.


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