agitation and aggressive behavior

steeleposte · November 26

My wife is 76 and in very late middle stage (6e) of Alzheimer's. She was diagnosed more than 10 years ago and has gradually progressed to this stage. until recently she was very cooperative, ate and hydrated well, and other than having almost no ability to care for herself was actually fairly easy to care for.

Recently she has been, at times, aggressively refusing to shower, to toilet, to change from pajamas to clothes and the reverse of that. I have given her an Olanzapine tablet on one occasion, it worked but all too well. she slept for approximately 24 hours. A nurse from hospice was here today and we talked of a different medication, ceraquill (sp).

My wife has always been the sweet, kind person that everyone loved. never raised a hand for any reason. I do know that this disease can change all that. occasionally I can talk her out of her refusal, but it is becoming more difficult as well as ess effective. I'm open to any suggestions

Metta · November 26

Seroquel has worked very well for us. My DH is also home on hospice. He was violently aggressive without it.

In the first days/week, it can cause extreme drowsiness that is temporary. It takes a couple of weeks to see the full effect.

You can try a low dose to start. I would not be able to care for my DH at home without it.

Bless you for caring for your wife so lovingly.

Kat63 · November 26

My DH is in stage 7 and home under Hospice care. Beginning of stage 6 his sundowning (moving things around and constantly in motion) was so bad we started him on Seroquel after reading and suggestions from others on this site. Agitation did set in and we did increase the amount which has helped. It has helped take the edge off and allows me to redirect him more easily. My husband was always very calm and loving husband and father before AD took over. I still feel he is easier than some but do need the Seroquel for sure.

steeleposte · November 27

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/259224#Comment_259224

thank so much for your response. I’m picking up the Seroquel tomorrow.
I've been opposed to medicating my wife excessively but pretty sure her anxiety and aggressive behavior aren’t doing her any good either. The hospice nurse suggested this low dose every six hours at first and to monitor how it affects her.

Thanks again for response . BTW I have friends whose spouses also have AD and I know for a fact that I am indeed blessed with a much smoother path.

fesk · November 27

If not already done, please rule out a medical issues for the behavioral changes. UTIs or another infection can cause this type of behavior and, once treated, the issues can improve.

steeleposte · November 28

thanks, it’s been ruled out. Just progressing through the disease

midge333 · November 28

Dosing is a trial & error process. It may make her sleepy at first but she will adjust to it. Good luck.

steeleposte · November 29

thanks, it’s been ruled out.

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/259408#Comment_259408

thank you

persevere · November 29

We moved my DW from risperdone to serequol a couple of months ago. I found it to be helpful. But after observing my wife in one of her more agitated states and showing her some videos of nighttime behavior the Hospice nurse recommended adding lorazepam to the list. Low dose. It also has helped. Medications are totally unavoidable when they get to certain stages. Both for their safety and comfort and yours. Finding the right mix every day is virtually impossible but there are some rhythms that start to work.