Is there any other way to relieve agitation besides medication?

Mia0126 · January 26

My dear grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's last year, and just in the previous few months, she has gotten worse. She has been yelling, berating, and crying lately, more like a manic patient. Sometimes she yells at my grandpa, mom, and aunts over a small thing. We are all heartbroken. And she refuses to take her medication. I am wondering if there is any other way to relieve her agitation other than medication. Would yoga, meditation, or deep breathing help?

eaglemom · January 26

Welcome to the message board. I'm glad that you found us. We are here to help you along this bump journey.

Has she seen her neurologist since the change? That should happen. Or at least send a message to them via the patient portal. UTI's can cause a change in behavior.

With each Alzheimer's diagnosis it is somewhat different from the next persons. You have to figure out what works for her. Music is wonderful to settle some down. Sometimes just a reassuring hug helps. A soft pat on the shoulder. The agitation is usually from them being frustrated about something - maybe something you know nothing about. Or they are scared because they are aware something is happening to them. The one thing to never ever do is argue with her. You have to be the voice of calm and reassuring, no matter what she is saying.

This journey is a bumpy one, as you are seeing. Ask questions, we are here to help.

eagle

TracieAT · February 1

Mia this is such a hard stage, and I couldn't get my mom to do yoga, walk or do any activities, she was so anxious and angry from not knowing what's going on. I delayed medication for agitation as long as I could but honestly after it goes on a while, everyone involved needs relief and medication is the way to go. this is just my opinion but once my mom got on the right agitation meds, the whole house calmed down. Good luck, and please talk to her primary about it, ok?

Janesha · February 6

hello, I'm living with my mo who has alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. She wakes up during our sleeping time and try to cook food. me and my husband can't get good sleep. anyone has suggestions on this? I bought her a Walker and wheelchair, but she always forgets to use them. She would walk in a freezing gait and try to do something during our sleep time. Doctor gave her amtripline, it helps her mood but can't keep her sleep through the night. Need some advice here.

H1235 · February 11

I know some have a hard time with this, but have you tried telling her it a new vitamin the doctor wants her to take, or a blood pressure medication? Another option may be to mix it with food (ask her doctor first!). I would also wonder if it could be a uti. Might be worth checking.

Mia0126 · February 15

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/236162#Comment_236162

Thank you very, very much for your advice, I still have a little doubt whether this sedative type of drug will make her dull while calming her down? I'm afraid that even though she's calmed down, she's forgetting more.😥

Mia0126 · February 15

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/235481#Comment_235481

Thank you very, very much for your reply, my grandmother is in the same boat these days. She can't sleep at all at night, has severe anxiety and breaks down and cries from time to time. She told me that she knows she has become stupid and forgotten a lot of things. She has emotional breakdowns when she talks about it. She has a very high self-esteem and can't accept herself like this. It breaks my heart even more to think of her when she was younger. She also has a hard time being convinced to take up some hobbies or do things for a bit. May I ask if your mother forgets more things when she takes the medication? I have heard before that taking this medication can make the patient duller while stabilising the mood. I wonder if it is true.

Mia0126 · February 15

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/235033#Comment_235033

Thank you very, very much for your reply and for having this warm group with me. Your words warm and inspire me. Yes, there are times when silent companionship is more important. Give her a warm hug when she is anxious. Fulfil her little requests as if you were with a child. She was there for me when I was growing up and I was there for her when she was getting old.

Is there any other way to relieve agitation besides medication?

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