Alzheimer's Community

This is a case where I think you might get some very helpful information by talking to a pharmacist.

Zyprexa does sometimes have terrible side effects in Alzheiemer's patients -- as you said, they include death. A pharmacist could tell you if there are other drugs that might be helpful but with less dangerous side effects. If she is that violent, though, and Zyprexa helps, the benefits might be worth the risks.

If your mother's violence can't be controlled, maybe it's time to consider putting her in a memory-care facility so she won't be a danger to you and your family. I know that's an awful decision to have to make, but the safety of your father, you and the rest of your family has to be the primary concern.

In the meantime, you might also talk to someone at your local Alzheimer's Association about what's going on with your mother, and maybe attend their support group meetings. Others have undoubtedly had some of the same experiences and can probably give you some guidance.

Best of luck. This sounds like a heartbreaking situation.

Dear Philip (ooga64),

I am sorry to hear of your difficult situation. I know that Cjh has already offered some great support.

I just wanted to share this article on Treating Agitation in Alzheimer's Patients, as it may have some information for you. Be sure to click on the blue hyperlinks in the article so you can find out more about Zyprexia and any other medication mentioned.

Finally, if your mother is not seeing an elder care or Alzheimer's specialist, that may be a consideration for you, too.

In support,

Byroney

Delusions and misperceptions of reality are symptoms of dementia at any stage and not necessarily a milestone of a 'last stage' of Alzheimer's. They definitely can scare caregivers when a loved one first expresses them. Education on how to respond is very important.

When an individual suffers psychotic symptoms they often become fearful....and defensive. They believe strangers are trying to hurt them and will last out. They truly believe what they say (like your mother accuses you of locking her up) and may become oppositional or aggressive. Their goal is to protect themselves from harm. Caregivers need to respond in a way to reassure their loved one that he or she is safe and secure. If you need to 'enter the delusion' then you may do so as long as the delusion is not harmful or dangerous. If your mom expresses feeling locked up, you can apologize to her for this and see if you can help her feel more free. She may be expressing to you that she feels locked up in 'herself'. When she acted out on your sister, try to assess what might have precipitated her anger. There are times where you can redirect or reassure and the agitated moment will pass.

If the symptoms persist and pose a danger,, as your doctor observed, a treatment is needed to provide your mother with a sense of comfort and security. Drugs like zyprexa, seroquel and risperdal, among others, have been successful in treating these symptoms. Bottom line, you need to perceive these symptoms as pain- emotional pain- requiring 'pain management' and that is the purpose of these drugs.They do need to be monitored because of potential side effects and dosages titrated under supervision

My mother isn't violent, but she take Aricept. It seems to be working for her. You should consult your doctor about other medicines.

Thanks for your advice and I am sorry it has taken me a week to get back. The Dr. changed her meds to risperdal yesterday. and it has almost the same warnings and side effects. The violence has stopped for now but she still doesn't know me ,my sister or daddy. We don't have the Alzheimer's Association any where close. I have found 2 guys that have already gone through this and their mother has past. I have been reading anything I can find. The Dr. told me yesterday that her mind would not get any better. I have tried to explain to her everything that is going on or that we are doing .by the time I get through she doesn't have a clue. She is still eating good but all she does is mumble or acts like she is talking to someone she only sees and I understand that is the way it is. Thanks again and I will keep asking you all for help Philip

For this 1st time I am just replying the same to all 4

Thanks for your advice and I am sorry it has taken me a week to get back. The Dr. changed her meds to risperdal yesterday. and it has almost the same warnings and side effects. The violence has stopped for now but she still doesn't know me ,my sister or daddy. We don't have the Alzheimer's Association any where close. I have found 2 guys that have already gone through this and their mother has past. I have been reading anything I can find. The Dr. told me yesterday that her mind would not get any better. I have tried to explain to her everything that is going on or that we are doing .by the time I get through she doesn't have a clue. She is still eating good but all she does is mumble or acts like she is talking to someone she only sees and I understand that is the way it is. Thanks again and I will keep asking you all for help Philip

For this 1st time I am just replying the same to all 4

Thanks for your advice and I am sorry it has taken me a week to get back. The Dr. changed her meds to risperdal yesterday. and it has almost the same warnings and side effects. The violence has stopped for now but she still doesn't know me ,my sister or daddy. We don't have the Alzheimer's Association any where close. I have found 2 guys that have already gone through this and their mother has past. I have been reading anything I can find. The Dr. told me yesterday that her mind would not get any better. I have tried to explain to her everything that is going on or that we are doing .by the time I get through she doesn't have a clue. She is still eating good but all she does is mumble or acts like she is talking to someone she only sees and I understand that is the way it is. Thanks again and I will keep asking you all for help. Helene, I have been trying to do just as you are saying. She is most differently getting worse. I hope to reply to you again soon after my head clears ...Thank you very much Philip

thanks for the reply and advice .I will ask Dr. about the drug you mentioned but he just changed it to risperdal yesterday, She seems to be going down quick thanks again and I will continue to ask for advice Philip

Hi, I'm Tom and I have EOAD. When I was having delusions I saw my phychiatist. He added Seroquel. The delisions stopped plus I could focus better and the "fog" lifted.

what do you mean ? sometimes i see bugs small animsl and 1 nt i sawa deer eating grass in our home i woke up the wife but she said go back to sleep..i swear it all was there

and sometimes peole say i said or did this or that?

im not sure i take aircept 10