Violent behavior

Ronpsych · April 3

My wife, officially diagnosed with Alzheimer’s last July, is in outstanding physical condition for an 86-year-old. This is a doubled-edged sword, because she exhibits periods of violent behavior and because she’s a strong person, she’s difficult to contain. She’s can be downright dangerous. I am her sole caretaker and I simply don’t know what to do. If she were mentally competent I would consider filing domestic abuse charges and have her taken from the house (even though Alzheimer’s patients by law can be charged). I’m physically exhausted and I at times for my own safety. Have any of you experienced this and, if so, what did you do?

Ron

tboard · April 3

Ron,

I am sorry you have to deal with this. My DH became very aggressive. (I like the word aggressive better than violent) He refused care and eventually he ended up in the hospital. He was fine but had sat in a soiled disposable for many hours and he would not let me clean him up. He ended up in a special transitional care program where they tried different drugs and experimented with doses. It took five weeks. He is still a bit aggressive but can be cared for. He doesn’t lash out at me or yell at me. He is now in Memory Care. I miss him so much.

Jgirl57 · April 4

Welcome and sorry to hear that your DW has become hard to manage. Be sure to let her Dr. office know of her changes. Do you have medical power of attorney? Many caregivers here have had to call 911 and request their loved one be sent to ER for a Geri psych exam. Once you are both at the ER insist that her behaviors be evaluated in a Geri psych setting as well as testing for UTI. UTI’s can cause severe behavior changes . Glad you found this forum. Also the Alz hot line ( noted on home page) is available 24 hours a day for calls.

Jeff H · April 4

Welcome to our forum. I'm sorry to hear you have to go through that. Check with your wife's neurologist. There are medications for aggressive behavior. My DW sported aggressive behavior and was prescribed Rexulti. It's specifically FDA approved for aggressive behavior. It has done wonders. She is no longer aggressive. Your safety is important. Is your home secure so your wife cannot exit? If yes, then just fine your space and lock the door.

Russinator · April 4

I did what Jgirl 57 suggested (call 911 and request their loved one be sent to ER for a Geri psych exam. Once you are both at the ER insist that her behaviors be evaluated in a Geri psych setting). It worked perfectly. My DW is no longer aggressive. It worked for me - I hope it will for you.

samremyva · 1:15AM

I am having problems with my mother kicking my father and lashing out at me also.. hitting and throwing things.. one medication has been tried but I think it is more for her paranoia and I don't really see much of a difference so far. Is the Rexulti the first medication that you tried? I think I am going to speak to the Dr about that as well.. Just another side question.. I wonder if there is a generic for that yet, so it must be expensive?? We're already getting stretched. My father has a myriad of medical issues as well, 2 primary cancers being top of the list, with diabetes, lasting stroke deficiencies, pacemaker as well. We have a lot going on here..

Jeff H · 2:01AM

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/269624#Comment_269624

Yes, Rexulti is expensive even on Medicare drug coverage insurance. You may be able to get discounts direct from Rexulti for affordability. There are no generics yet available in the United States. Our government is in the process of trying to lower the Rexulti drug cost by 2027 or 2028. It was the first medication that was prescribed by our neurologist, and it has been working great. There may be other medications to calm the aggressive behavior. You should ask your neurologist. Stay safe. I wish you well.

samremyva · 2:02AM

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/269630#Comment_269630

Thank you!

harshedbuzz · 12:14PM

@Ronpsych

My advice would be the same as Russinator's. Behavior is communication. Aside from this being a safely issue for you both, she's dealing with troubling emotions.

An admission to a geri psych unit via the ER for medication management is the appropriate response to violent agitation. In your shoes, assuming you are a man, I might make a video recording of her violent behavior to provide in the event you aren't being taken seriously.

@samremyva

Rexulti is one of a class of medications called atypical antipsychotics. The difference between it and others is that the makers of these drugs did not seek approval for dementia agitation as there are already generics making it a waste of money. FWIW, Rexulti carries the same "Black Box Warning" as these older drugs. Doctors have been prescribing medications like generic Seroquel and Risperdal off-label for years.

HB

Violent behavior

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