Symptoms of alz

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So I messaged my mom’s neurologist yesterday regarding the following issues. Which what I have read are common symptoms of alz. I haven’t been thrilled with her dr since first meeting her but took 4 months to see her. Anyways, thoughts of my moms symptoms and the drs response….

I wrote this to neurologist:

Hi!

Over the past few weeks, I have seen very concerning behaviors from my mom. Her waking up dressed and ready for the day at 2am; making coffee and eating breakfast. Constantly looking out the window almost like paranoia. Wiping counters over and over again. Cleaning excessively. Isolating. Not sleeping well. Forget to take her supplements yesterday. What recommendations do you have?

Dr response :

Interesting, it sounds like she is bordering on a manic episode versus impulse control issues. Given what sounds like paranoia and not sleeping, it sounds more like a manic episode. Has she ever had a history of bipolar disorder? Has she ever seen a psychiatrist?

 

In the meantime we can try starting Seroquel (it is an antipsychotic but we use it for mood/agitation/sleep as well). I will have my pharmacist give you a call to go over side effects and find out where you would like us to send it.

harshedbuzz

I wonder if it makes sense for you to take your mom to another neurologist, geriatric specialist or geripsychiatrist for a second opinion given that you don't like this current doctor. FWIW, once dad had his initial diagnostics, his neurologists at the memory center had very little to offer us. TBH, his geripsych way so much more helpful around dad's quality of life once he was diagnosed.

That said, it is possible for a PWD to have mental health issues as well. My dad clearly had some sort of mood or personality disorder that he was largely able to mask this through sheer will until he lost his social filter and his darker side emerged.

Given the behaviors you describe, a low dose of Seroquel could be helpful around fractured sleep and her being stuck doing repetitive behaviors. This would be true of dementia or a bi-polar manic phase. My dad took Seroquel (started on 25mg at bedtime and added 25 in the morning a year later) for aggression caused by anxiety/paranoia stemming from delusions. It wasn't a cure, but it did un-stick him enough that validation and redirection worked to calm him.

Some other person is going to have to take over her medication and supplements.

HB

M1

I think the Seroquel is a good suggestion and worth trying, it may help her sleep through the night better as well as help with paranoia and delusions. As HB says, geriatric psychiatrists are generally going to be more adept at behavior management than the neurologists. neurologists are generally good diagnosticians, but so many of the diseases they diagnose (including dementia) have limited treatment options.

But I also agree with HB that it's likely time for you to start supervising medicaiton administration. My partner was also very resistant to this, but it's necessary.

Marta

Hi, blr. I don’t know your story. Has your Mom been diagnosed with dementia? If not, were you reporting these signs to the neuro because you wanted the neuro to evaluate her for dementia?

If already diagnosed with dementia, the behaviors you are seeing are indeed typical signs of dementia, and Seroquel would be helpful. If these are totally new behaviors, a diagnosis of bipolar illness without further evaluation seems insufficient.

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Thank you HB AND M1 for the insight. The neurologist prescribed seroquel so hopefully she will take it tonight. Cross fingers!!

Marta- yes, she was diagnosed with advanced Alzheimer’s.