[Dementia and comorbid conditions].

Dementia belongs to the most frequently occurring problems among older patients. For most types of dementia no causal therapy is currently available. Comorbid somatic conditions in patients with dementia are the rule rather than the exception. These potentially modifiable conditions are of major interest and they can therefore play an important role. This includes the strict management of risk factors as well as the avoidance of drugs with delirogenic, anticholinergic and dementing side effects. Thus, treatment of delirium, hypertension, heart failure, anemia, diabetes is important to reduce the symptoms of dementia itself. Possible therapeutic treatment options are described.