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Mom 89 has alz dementia is having anger and agression

sncshiner
sncshiner Member Posts: 1 Member
in Caring for a Parent

Mom was diagnosed about a year ago and is now having anger and agression issues. She's taking medication for the moods but its not cutting it. She has good minute and bad minutes and back to good again. I was going to say good days but felt that wasnt correct. I believe she is still capable to shower and take care of her hygiene but the main problem is anger. Anyone have any ideas?

Comments

  • catmarch
    catmarch Member Posts: 3
    First Comment
    Member

    I'm afraid I don't have any suggestions, but I just wanted to give you support and know you aren't alone. My Dad's anger is awful at times and other times he's completely okay. He knows he has Alzheimer's but will call it "short term memory loss". He forgets ALL of the time to change his underwear. He still brushes his teeth and things like that, but I need to tell him when to shower and change because he just doesn't do it. He also gets very agitated whenever there is a change in a routine. He will become short of breath and not acting right. I've talked to his doctor because I'm thinking he gets anxiety, but they said he shouldn't go on medication for that.

    Again, I'm so sorry you are going through this with your mom. It's not easy

  • SDianeL
    SDianeL Member Posts: 2,433
    1,000 Likes 500 Insightfuls Reactions 1000 Comments 500 Care Reactions
    Member

    welcome. Sorry about your Mom’s diagnosis. Anxiety, agitation and aggression is very common in dementia. Medications are difficult to manage. It takes awhile to find the right combination and doses. A Geriatric Psychiatrist is the best type of doctor to manage them. I would speak to her doctor and explain that the current med and dose isn’t working and ask for a referral to a Geriatric Psychiatrist. You mentioned that you think she is capable of managing her shower and hygiene. Does that mean she lives alone? Depending on what stage of dementia she’s in, it may not be safe for her to live alone any longer. Do you have a DPOA and other legal forms done? If not those should be a priority. Also read the book “The 36 Hour Day” which was recommended by a nurse. Search online for dementia caregiving videos. Come here often for info and support.

  • Kim400
    Kim400 Member Posts: 5
    First Comment
    Member
    Lexapro has been very helpful for my dad. We just doubled the dose.

Commonly Used Abbreviations


DH = Dear Husband
DW= Dear Wife, Darling Wife
LO = Loved One
ES = Early Stage
EO = Early Onset
FTD = Frontotemporal Dementia
VD = Vascular Dementia
MC = Memory Care
AL = Assisted Living
POA = Power of Attorney
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