Abstract
Dementia is a common and distressing illness and the number of people with dementia is gradually increasing as the population ages. Many different causes of dementia have been suggested but changes in neurotransmitters, especially acetylcholine, remains one of the most important suggestions. Several treatments are now available for Alzheimer's disease, including donepezil, galantamine and rivastigmine, but recent NICE guidance restricting these drugs in patients with mild illness has caused considerable distress for patients and families. Although drug treatments have an important role, attention to improving physical health and psychosocial interventions are vitally important.