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Delusions

Caregivers: Dementia | Last Active: 1 day ago | Replies (9)

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@celia16
Would you mind sharing what medication helped with the distress and agitation?

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Replies to "@celia16 Would you mind sharing what medication helped with the distress and agitation?"

@trishaanderson , sure….everyone is different, but my dad took daily meds for Alz consisting of Aricept and Namenda. He also took Sertraline for anxiety and depression (many dementia patients have substantial depression and anxiety). My dad also had Conversion Disorder even before the Alz, and he took Xanax as needed for that. Usually 2-3 pills per month. When his agitation and compulsions began to cause him distress he was prescribed a small dose of Seroquel. If you read about this med make sure you discuss it with his doctor. Precautions about this med can make one wary, but the benefits are often worth it to many patients to bring them relief.

My cousin took daily Cymbalta for depression and anxiety. She also took Seroquel at night. She didn’t have Alz, but had Vascular dementia. At the time meds for Alz were not recommended.

Something else to consider if it fits your situation is a daily senior center. I wish we had insisted my dad go when he had more mobility. It would have given him something to do and us a break. Also, folding clothes, word circles, etc. can help distract.