Anosognosia in dementia

ButterflyWings · May 23

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/209782#Comment_209782

Yes, I do understanding being given a piece of their mind when getting off on the wrong foot with our PWD LOs! This is where fiblets come in. I often say, my entire approach since early days in this struggle, has been "don't ask, don't tell".

Soon after diagnosis, I started putting 2 and 2 together about the dents and dings on the car, the moving violations (red light tickets he swore must be a scam, etc.) And when I mentioned that the Dr. said he should think about not driving, he said "Well, I guess I'll have to get a new doctor". And he was dead serious.

There is really no point in trying to gain agreement or a commitment from someone whose brain is impaired by dementia. Even when they mean well, they cannot keep such an agreement. Save yourself the trouble, stress, and disappointment. Just do it. Disable and or disappear the vehicle to get temptation out of sight and eventually out of mind.

H1235 · May 23

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/210114#Comment_210114

I believe anosognosia would include the inability to see limitations in their physical abilities as well. My mom thinks if she can push her walker she can mow the lawn. She wants to use the power washer, paint, weed her garden, deep clean her carpets and reupholstered a couch. She doesn’t understand why someone should be home with her if she is showering. Mom sees no reason to use her cane. The anger she had with all of this was overwhelming. We started her on some new medication and it has mad a world of difference. Much more easy going.

dancsfo · May 23

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/210169#Comment_210169

I agree. I think I was being too particular with the definitions but with respect to caregiving, it's the same whether it is neurological or physical. I saw another definition that does have a broader definition that states it is a "denial of deficit" — i.e. of all types of deficit.

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22832-anosognosia

gwesterhoff · May 23

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/210169#Comment_210169

Can you tell me what medication helped?

M1 · May 23

Gwesterhoff, the ssri antidepressants like lexapro, celexa, or Zoloft help some, but the atypical antipsychotics like Seroquel and Risperdal are also quite effective and maybe more so, especially if there is paranoia and/or delusions. They can be used together. Geriatric psychiatrists are usually the most adept at using these, but some primary care folks may be comfortable using them too. There are some other less common ones like Zyprexa, Depakote, and Lamictal too.

gwesterhoff · May 23

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/210236#Comment_210236

Thank you very much. I had hoped the gerontologist would try Lexapro or something at the last appt but she said this behavior is to be expected as part of the disease.

H1235 · May 23

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/210229#Comment_210229

Lamotrigine

It was prescribed by the neurologist. It is not one I have seen mentioned here often. As M1 said there are a few options. The doctor will know what is best for your lo. The point is there are medications that may help.

This is something I found helpful with my mom. Maybe it will help.