Help- advice needed

blr3655

 Gosh this is so difficult!  I’m really struggling to understand if it’s truly Alzheimer’s or if she’s just really psycho. And I know that sounds so harsh. However,  prior to this diagnosis , I thought she knew exactly what she was doing. Ie- deleting messages, lying, hiding things. Becoming angry over nothing. I don’t know how to handle this without getting frustrated. She’s very aggressive and I am only trying to protect her and keep her safe. But she thinks I’m this evil daughter and I’m feeling awful cause it’s hard to keep trying and her being aggressive. I don’t even know. I realize that this is common but how do I continue at this pace? Yes it’s gonna be a long bumpy road and I just want to show love but how?

The dr did prescribe clonazepam but if my mom won’t even take her vit d as it’s toxic, how do I get her to take a narcotic?

loveskitties

As to the meds, check with PCP or pharmacy to see if they can be crushed.  If so, you might try putting them in pudding or other soft food.

Has she been diagnosed with AZ?  Has her PCP referred to a neurologist?  

When you say she is aggressive, is she a danger to herself or you?  If so 911 should be called and taken to ER.  There you can describe her behavior and see if they will place in geri-psyc to see if meds can be prescribed to adjust behavior.

Hopefully you have all the legal paperwork in order (DPA and medical PO) so that you can take these steps.

M1

Just for clarity blr, clonazepam is not a narcotic but what is called a benzodiazepine, prescribed usually for anxiety or sleep (also for seizures sometimes).  Clonazepam has a short half-life, meaning its effects will wear off fairly quickly, which is why some docs prefer it--and benzodiazepines get used a lot, although like with all these drugs you have to be careful in dementia not to increase confusion and/or tendency to lose balance and fall.  She may need something else more long-lasting in a different class to control the aggression.  Atypical antipsychotics are freqeuently used for this in dementia--drugs like Seroquel (quetiapine), Risperdal (risperidone), and Zyprexa (olanzapine).  If her doc is not comfortable with these, she may need input from a psychiatrist, or even hospitalization to get stabilized.  Good luck.  You don't have to tell her what they are for.  In fact, it might be advisable not to.  Call them a vitamin or Tylenol if you have to.

Iris L.

Benzodiazepines can make older adults "psycho".  This is because they can have a paradoxical effect in older adults.  Instead of being sedating, they can be stimulating, causing negative effects. Read about the Beers' list for older adults.  

A different set of medications can be prescribed by a specialist, as M1 mentioned above.  

Also, familiarize yourself with the term anosognosia.   This means the PWD is unaware of having changes.  If you try to confront her with reality, she will resist and become upset.   You will have to learn the work-arounds that the members use.   Pead a lot of threads and the online reading material. 

Iris L.