Need input on the treatment of AD related aggression

Is she on Seroquel??

I'm on Galentimine(Razadyne)

Thank you all!!

Can't think where my other response went.

I understand about the "zombie" part.  I also don't want what has always made Mom unique (on SOOO many levels) to be squashed.  Since she is too far gone into the "sundowner's" and the aggession to try a non-pharmeceutical approach, we have determined that for now we will try using Zolaft daily and Ativan as needed.  Not happy about it, but really had no choice but to proceed with pharmeceutical intervention.

They also mentioned taking her off her Aricpet and Namenda because "it reaches the point where it doesn't work any more."  This I know also, but who or what determines when it's "not working anymore??"  Mom is still thrilled by the beauty of things around her, still loves to shop, still loves a good cup of tea, and a good meal eaten with her family.  Sounds to me like she isn't past the point of the meds working.  I am also taking her for a psych evaluation with a psychiatrist.

Any ideas, input or suggestions on the Aricept/Namenda

Thanking you all, I remain

M. A. 

I know, but they didn't seem to have an alternative and they PROMISED it would only be used "as needed", like when the aggression seems to have reached the point where she is going to lash out at a resident.  Since they haven't been able to keep her calm, I am wondering if they will be a:) able to get to her in time, and b:) make her TAKE the med as it is an oral medication.  We will have to wait and see.

What would be a good altenative to Ativan??

Thanking you for your assistance,  I remain,

M.A.

Thank you, Snowylynne.

So far, I have managed to resist taking her off the Aricept/Namenda.  I have told them until she is apparently NOT enjoying anything, we are going to keep her on it.  She is failing quickly now that her roommate passed away.  They were attached at the hip and I know that Mom misses her.  Her roommate was so lively and kept Mom going.  To point out the hallucinations mom is having, they tell me Mom walks up and down the hallway alone, talking to somebody who isn't there.  HELLO!  She's doing the same thing she did everyday up to the point her roommate passed.  Mom is walking with her and talking with her, I'm sure.  BTW, they have told me Mom is at stage 6.

You mentioned the Seroquel in a previous email.  I didn't realize you were suggesting it as an alternative to the Ativan.  They are only suggesting the Ativan specifically for those times she needs it.  Which hasn't been any time since the incident two Fridays ago.  I will research the Seroquel as an alternative.  Do you have any particular information regarding the Seroquel as opposed to the Ativan.  If not, do you know a good site that may have the information??

As always, I appreciate the advice and the information.  I remain,

M.A.

Greetings all,

Just wanted to update on my Mom and her situation. Aside from her "aggression" issues, the facility waited till she had lost 15 lbs before telling me that she wasn't eating at all.

As I mentioned above, I suggested Zoloft for her. This poor woman has suffered from depression since her 40's and because of the "stigma" of the era, never did anything about it. I do not know if at any time prior to me taking over her medical care, antidepressants were suggested by her Dr. Probably not, as I have no high opinion of his medical skills, but Mother has been known to get home from the Dr's and THROW OUT any written prescriptions he may have given her.....so I will give the Dr. the benefit of the doubt.

Since I took over her medical care in 2000, I have asked and asked and ASKED for an antidepressant for her and finally, in 2009 .. SOMEONE listened! She has been taking Zoloft since October and it is now the end of December and they have only had recourse to the Ativan THREE times. I am quite pleased. She seems happier and more lively mentally and that is FABULOUS! Also, I did take over her menus and so far, it seems that all is going well and she is eating again. The facility is giving me full credit for her increased appetite. I think it is the Zoloft (who wants to eat when they're depressed?) but if they want to give me credit for the change, who am I to argue?

So Mom is doing better mentally with no major psychotics being used frequently. She and her new roommate are getting along famously, but there is no replacement for her old roommate and I can see her failing physically. She has given up tapdancing for the residents. But she is 87 and even she admits she is getting old, God bless her heart.

For all who responded and offered their assistance, I give you my sincere thanks for your efforts on my mom's behalf. I appreciate it so much.

Sincerely,

M.A.

I am so happy to hear your mom is doing better..i hv to agree with snowy on the ativan though there are other meds that wont cause as many problems with ad peeps as ativan does..keep us posted..lyn