While there are currently no specific treatments that can stop or slow down PCA, there may be medicines that can help with the symptoms.

Listen to our information about treatments for PCA or download the full audio

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If Alzheimer’s disease is causing a person’s PCA they might be offered drugs called cholinesterase inhibitors. These drugs work by helping brain cells to communicate with each other. They may help to improve a person’s symptoms for a time, but they do not stop the disease from getting worse. Some people find symptoms improve while taking these drugs, but others may not notice an effect.

There are four types of cholinesterase inhibitors:

  • donepezil
  • rivastigmine
  • galantamine

Another drug called memantine may be prescribed for more severe symptoms, or if cholinesterase inhibitors haven’t worked.

Some people who have PCA caused by dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) may benefit from treatments that can help with movement problems. Levodopa is a drug used to treat both Parkinson’s disease and DLB, and people may also benefit from physiotherapy. Your doctor will be able to discuss these treatments with you if you have DLB and PCA.

Your doctor may also prescribe drug and non-drug treatments to help people with symptoms like depression and anxiety.

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Treatments for dementia

Read more about treatments for dementia, including information on treating depression, anxiety and agitation and for information on antipsychotics.

What is posterior cortical atrophy?

Find out more about the symptoms and causes of posterior cortical atrophy, and the treatments currently available.

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Order health information

Alzheimer’s Research UK has a wide range of information about dementia. Order booklets or download them from our online form.

This information was written in April 2021 and is due for review in April 2023. Please contact us if you would like a version with references.

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