vasapvagal syncope and alzheimer's

acadiapark

My wife (77) has had three episodes of vasogal syncope beginning Dec 15 2020 and the most recent was this morning. Fortunately in all three cases I was standing nearby when she started to lose consciousness while standing. As with  this morning I was able to support her and ease her to the floor so that she was not hurt.

I found a website in New Zealand that suggests that such incidents may be linked to Alzheimer's meds.My wife is in late moderate stage

Does anyone have any experience with this.

Thanks

Emily 123

This one?  https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/profs/PUarticles/syncope.htm#8

My mom seems to get light headed when it's hotter out.  I was thinking it's because she doesn't hydrate and the heat makes her vasodilate, so that when she stands up she gets light headed.  

It could be from other meds as well--she's on an ACE inhibitor too, but a beta blocker could cause this too.

What does her doctor think? The study notes that it seems more linked to LBD.

terei

My mom had VS before AD meds.   You dont say what meds you are referring to.   After mom was on Duloxetine (Cymbalta), Memantine(Namednda), and Rivastigmine(Exelon patch), She actually had fewer incidents.

Your LO’s VS could be impacted by meds, but not necessarily.    You’ll have to weigh the possible benefits vs the risk of falls.

Jane Smith

I am not a medical professional. 

My mother’s wonderful neurologist, who does only dementia care, says that this is indeed an issue with persons with dementia. 

Further, it is often overlooked, not diagnosed, misdiagnosed, and not treated. 

It can cause falls, mobility issues, and general confusion on top of the dementia.  Many medications can make it worse. 

You need a medical professional who knows how to properly take the patient's blood pressure to diagnose orthostatic hypotension, also called postural hypotension.  

I am sorry I cannot tell you more, but your instincts are good.  Please be very vocal with your medical providers and don’t let them fob you off without proper evaluation.  My mother’s doctor is VERY vocal about this exact issue with his patients and we dealt with it for her entire course of dementia. It can be very tricky to get, and keep, under control and you need someone who knows what they are doing with the dementia and psych meds. 

All best to you.