Change in mental status

mpang123

My father, 88, broke his back in January,2023. Had surgery but he's not the same anymore. I learned that anesthesia and narcotics can affect his mental status and his dementia has been getting worse since then. He was given Lexapro, an antidepressant and he had an anaphylaxis attack. He fell recently and broke his pelvis. He only takes Tylenol for pain but he has never complained about his pain. That's good he doesn't need strong pain meds. I've been thinking about some of the participants in this forum and want to let them know that some meds, especially psychiatric meds, can significantly affect mental status. My father is on the mend now but we learned about side effects of anesthesia, narcotics and psych meds and their effects on people with dementia.

SDianeL

so sorry about your Dad. Thanks for the info. I had also read that about anesthesia. I was hoping there is something my DH can take for his anger & agitation but very worried about the side effects.

mpang123

There are a lot of psych meds out there. I see lots of new drugs advertised and many of the side effects can affect moods and behaviors that people with dementia deal with. I suggest discretion and consult with the doctors about possible interactions with meds to help treat dementia.

SusanB-dil

Hi mpang - it is wise to use discretion. However, do keep in mind that the psych meds that affect mood and agitation are doing exactly what they are supposed to do... and yes, anesthesia can negatively impact a PWD, sometimes short-term, but in some cases can have adverse effects longer as well.