Medications and Dementia UCSF

MaryG123

Hi all,

I came across this comprehensive discussion about medications prescribed for dementia patients.  It seems like a good basis for discussions with prescribing docs, since it includes meds to try for specific symptoms, and those to avoid for some conditions.

 https://memory.ucsf.edu/treatments-stays/medications-dementia#

Ed1937

Mary, thank you! That kind of information is something all caregivers should have.

Dio

The world of medications for PWDs is so confusing, no pun intended. The very symptom the drug is treating for is also listed as a potential side effect...oxymoron?? It's basically trial and error. Our doctor wants to add memantine/Namenda to the mix of DH's meds, but according to UCSF's site it is not recommended for FTD. Go figure. What to do?!

GothicGremlin

Wow, very useful!  I wish I had this four years ago to help guide me - but I can still use it now.

Crushed

Not to mention there is an enormous amount of Garbage promoted on the web

  Congressman’s Wife Died After Taking Herbal Remedy Marketed for Diabetes and Weight Loss
 

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The wife of a Northern California congressman died late last year after ingesting a plant that is generally considered safe and is used as an herbal remedy for a variety of ailments, including diabetes, obesity, and high cholesterol, KHN has learned.Lori McClintock, the wife of U.S. Rep. Tom McClintock, died from dehydration due to gastroenteritis — an inflammation of the stomach and intestines — that was caused by “adverse effects of white mulberry leaf ingestion,” according to a report from the Sacramento County coroner that is dated March 10 but was not immediately released to the public. KHN obtained that report — in addition to the autopsy report and an amended death certificate containing an updated cause of death — in July.

 

https://khn.org/news/article/tom-lori-mcclintock-death-herbal-remedy-diabetes-weight-loss-white-mulberry/

  

Faith,Hope,Love

Excellent article!!  It has some good links to FTD.  Thanks for posting it.  My husband has FTD.  This article and several others I've read mention NOT to give Namenda.  I was so disappointed when my husband's neuro prescribed it.  Fortunately, I got a "gut check" and researched it before giving it to him.  Most of the articles stated that it may increase aggression.  Just what I don't need.

RandiM

Thank you, this is helpful and timely. My husband started exhibiting aggressive behaviors and I was reluctant to start him on Seroquel because of the label of “antipsychotic”.  I tried to manage triggers but it became unmanageable so started him on Seroquel.  It has really helped calm him with no noticeable side effects.  He had an episode yesterday at his adult daycare and was kicked out.  staff recommended seeing doc to adjust his meds.  He also takes Paxil for anxiety.  This article helps understand different symptoms and different meds that I can discuss with doc.

Pam BH

Mary, thank you. This is so helpful when we feel like we're swimming in an ocean of unknowns.