Refusing to see neurologist or take new meds

charley0419

My wife has mild Alzheimer, was on a trail for couple of months took off , started taking meds but got rude effect. Now won’t take or go to neurologist. I know in denial

M1

Hi charley. My partner also had side effects to both Aricept and Namenda, and because she was on a lot of other meds, we never pursued anything else. I don't think we lost much by not treating; if she has a good primary care person you could discuss it with them. Regarding denial-get yourself educated about anosognosia, it's a feature of the disease where she really can't appreciate that there's anything wrong. Quite different from denial, and very common.

Ed1937

A video about anosognosia. Why your loved one doesn't believe they have dementia- It's NOT denial. Or if you prefer to read: https://www.agingcare.com/articles/anosognosia-dementia-patients-cant-recognize-impairment-210090.htm  

SDianeL

My DH who has Alzheimer's didn't want to go to the doctors either. So I don't tell him until that morning. We always go in the afternoon. I tell him he's going to a doctor and the doctor might give him pills to help his brain. Fib if you have to. Tell her you will ask the doctor (don't say Neurologist) for pills to make her feel better. Also get a referral to a Geriatric Psychiatrist if you can. They are the ones to best manage any medications. Also call her primary care doctor and see if he can help get her to a doctor. I wouldn't pressure her to take the trial meds if she had side effects. The Neurologist put my DH on Risperidone and it has helped his sleeping and seems to have made him calmer. Once she sees the doctor the first time, they might do video telehealth visits or phone calls so she doesn't have to go.

charley0419

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/185550#Comment_185550

Thank you so very much. She’s in such denial right now. It wasn’t trial meds/or no meds that had side effect it was one of the prescribe meds approved. But I see her forgetting things thst are said from just hours ago. Very sad but it is what it is together 55 yrs not giving up on her

SDianeL

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/185630#Comment_185630

they put my husband on Mirtazapine for depression and it was terrible. 2 nights of hell. The doctor took him off of it immediately. I have read that many people can't take it. He's on low dose Risperidone AM/PM and it seems to be helping his agitation and helping him sleep better. Please keep us posted.

Iris L.

Charley, your LO is not in denial, she has anosognosia, she doesn't even know she is the way she is. Feel free to use the work-arounds that the members use.

Iris

charley0419

What is “ work around?”

Ed1937

@charley0419 "What is “ work around?” It's other ways to handle things, instead of thinking she's in denial. It's coming to terms that she has no idea there is a problem. Acceptance.

Jeanne C.

@charley0419 work arounds that help me sometimes are using small fibs to change the topic/redirect my husband's attention and gain cooperation. For example to get him to the doctor, I make the appointment and don't mention until we're on the way. And if he's resistant I say it's just a follow-up for insurance.

Iris L.

Another way of saying what is posted above, a work-around is a method of getting things done without a direct confrontation of the PWD. Ed's links have good explanations and tips also. In general, much of what is discussed on the boards are work-arounds because the PWDs are unable to cooperate much or at all in their own care and safety.

Iris

charley0419

Had bad start to day telling DW going to neurologist, she was pissed at me right up to seeing Dr. Didn’t do well with questions, the clock she hates it, took 3 guesses at year etc. all else went well just her there was a great thing. Put her on Namenda. Also have another appointment which she’s ok with. I know can change in heart best. But taking meds big deal. I’m happy today