Mom is getting violent and delusions are 24/7

jennwood1970

Mom had dementia (no specific kind has been formally diagnosed but docs leaning toward Lewy Body due to the never-ending delusions and hallucinations) and for a good year or so she remained pleasant, agreeable and still had a sense of humor. I told everyone that asked about how we were so lucky because she couldn't be more pleasant. Boy did I jinx myself! She did a complete 180 during Thanksgiving and now she is constantly accusing people of poisoning her, trying to kill her, telling anyone who will listen that I beat her up daily, tells me daily that I'm no one, wishes I had not been born etc etc etc. She spends most days throwing things around in her room, accusing people of just horrible disgusting things. Has anyone else experienced this or am I just the lucky one?? She takes Seroquel but it doesn't do anything. Has anyone had luck with any other meds that I can ask her doctor about? I am at a loss.......

M1

Hi Jen, welcome to the forum. definitely tell the docs what is happening. She may need a higher dose, or another med entirely. I'm so sorry, this is very difficult to experience.

DCCEPEK

They're changing meds on MIL. Surquill only helped for a very short time.

Risperdal and haldol. We'll see how this works. This is more than we can bare. Forever you never know what a day is gonna be like.

easy23

I don't think you're supposed to take antipsychotics such as Seroquel, if you have Lewy Body dementia. I don't know what they use though.

Edit: I stand corrected.

"Quetiapine is a safer alternative atypical antipsychotic in PDD and DLB, typically in the dose range of 6.25 mg to 50 mg a day, although higher doses may be used if tolerated and necessary."

harshedbuzz

This sounds awful. IT's not uncommon behavior, but I'm sorry you're dealing with it at the moment.

I would look into having her transported to an ER for assessment for a geriatric psych unit where they can keep her safe and adjust her medications. If the ER tries to discharge her, let them know you don't feel it's safe for either of you.

HB

jennwood1970

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/196883#Comment_196883

Thank you, I was thinking the same thing. I have not been able to get her into a Neurologist or Geriatric Psych until May due to a shortage in the area (from what they all tell me). I didn't want to traumatize her by calling 911 and doing the ER route but I don't see any other option. Her PCP is in over her head on this and doesn't feel comfortable giving anything stronger than Seroquel (which helps her sleep but that's about it) but I need her to be evaluated by someone who knows what is happening. Thanks again

Dktp087

I'm in tears reading your post because I could have written it, and I don't know anyone else who has a parent going through a similar experience. My mom got to this state several months ago. It felt like mom changed from herself to abusive overnight. Suddenly she started accusing me and my sibling of abuse, stealing, spying, and breaking things around her house (she lived alone). I honestly don't recognize the person she's become, and we finally had to block her number on our phones due to all the accusations and abuse. Mom was at the ER several times, she was briefly hospitalized for confusion and altered thinking, and it was not until the social workers in her town got involved that we were finally able to get mom help. Does your mom's town have a human services or senior services department? If so, they can send out a social worker to do a home evaluation. Plan to attend that appointment and see what kind of referrals they can offer. They might even be able to help you find a geriatric or neuro appointment or evaluation.