Medication For the Difficult Behaviors exhibited in Dementia
Dementia sufferers will exhibit Angry Outbursts and Physical Aggression
Top Food and Drug Administration drugs approved to treat the cognitive problems. Hence, the problems associated with Dementia. Hence, some seniors seem to have been help with certain neuropsychiatric symptoms. Read on , more on these drugs and how they work,
First of all, prepared for some experience of Verbal or physical aggression,. In fact, it is very alarming. However, this behavior is very common in patients with Demeter. Therefore, it is vital for the personal caregivers to remember that the disease is the cause of the alarming behaviors. Again, always keep in mind that your loved one is not acting this way deliberately. Another important strategy, identifying if there is a cause for the new behavior. For example, physical discomfort, loud noises or even experiencing over stimulation.There are many seniors that are regularly taking benzodiazepines.
What kind of drugs are benzodiazepines?
Diazepam, or Valium: This is an anxiety-reducing, hypnotic, sedative, and anticonvulsant drug that acts rapidly. It is used to treat panic attacks, insomnia, seizures, restless leg syndrome, and alcohol withdrawal. Diazepam is also used for the treatment of benzodiazepine dependence due to its low potency
However, it is important to note that if the patient quits, dementia symptoms may increase. The reason, seniors can experience increased anxiety in addition to the new discomfort from withdrawal. Finally, this may lead to a worsening of cognitive skills (thinking) as well as aggressive behavior.
Finally, emptying your electronic pill dispenser with alarm of all of it;s benzodiazepines suddenly may cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. Consequently, talk to your health care professional about any medication changes. Hence, medical supervision is required if and when reducing this medication. Difficult Behaviors exhibited in Dementia can be made worse by quitting “cold Turkey”.
Trying to use different Mood-stabilizers.
These include medications that are also used to prevent seizures. To illustrate, they work by reducing the “excitability” of individual’s brain cells. The most Commonly used drug are Valproic acid (brand name Depakote) in men and women with dementia. In addition, the drugs come in short- and long-acting formulations. Finally, the individual effects will vary based on the dose. Again, using a smart pill dispenser will keep the Difficult Behaviors with Dementia to a minimum
However, there is a Risk of use. Valproic acid needs a regular monitoring of the person’s blood levels. However, even if the blood levels are considered within acceptable range, there are some negative side-effects. Hence in older adults look for:
- Confusion or worsened thinking
- Dizziness or light light headed
- Difficulty in walking or try to retain balance
- Tremor and development of other Parkinsonism symptoms
- Gastrointestinal (stomach Problems) symptoms. For example nausea, vomiting as well as diarrhea
What is the Evidence of clinical efficacy, ( does it work)
The data shows that valproate for agitation in dementia found no evidence of clinical efficacy. Therefore, it has described the rate of adverse effects as “unacceptable.” Despite this, some geriatric psychiatrists and other experts feel that valproate works well to improve behavior. However, in certain people with dementia.
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Accusing Loved Ones of Wrongdoing and Hallucinating
First of all being a family care giver is not easy. Second the caregivers will often be at a loss with some Behaviors with Dementia. Some exhibits behavior that is clearly not grounded in reality. For example, reacting to hallucinations. Hence, they will be perceiving something that isn’t really there. In addition, false beliefs that can lead up to crippling paranoia. Try this, a simple distraction can bring a Dementia person back to the present. This being said, severe hallucinations or delusions should be brought to a attention of the health care provider.
Taking anti-depressants
Anti-depressant will also have some anti-anxiety benefits. This being said, be patient. Consequently. these will take weeks or even several months to reach their full effectiveness. In short, a reduction of the levels of depression and/or anxiety symptoms. Antidepressants often used in elderly men and women suffering from dementia include:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants:
- Citalopram, escitalopram, and sertraline (The brand name is Celexa, Lexapro, and Zoloft
- Paroxetine (The brand name is called Paxil) is another often-used SSRI. However, it needs to be stated that it is more anticholinergic than the other SSRIs. Hence, most geriatric doctors avoid this medication
- Mirtazapine (brand name is Remeron)has been known to increase appetite. In addition, it is known to increases sleepiness if given at bedtime
- Trazodone (the brand name is called Desyrel) is a weak antidepressant. In addition, it is also a sedative. Furthermore, often used when going to sleep. Found to improve sleep
Effects of these medications on agitation
First, SSRIs have been shown to help some men and women. However, most of the time, it usually takes weeks or months to see a change. For some elderly individuals, a sedating antidepressant at bedtime will make sleeping better. In short, a good night’s sleep will reduce daytime irritability. Anti-depressants are generally “well-tolerated”. Furthermore, the tolerance is grater if starting with a reduce dose. Again, having a slow increase in the doses as needed. Risks and negative side-effects include:
- Nausea and gastrointestinal problem. For example, when first starting or increasing doses (SSRIs) bouts of diarrhea
- SSRIs may worsen agitation or insomnia in some men and women
- Citalopram ( 20 plus mg per 24 hours) can raise the chance of a sudden cardiac arrest from arrhythmia
- An increased risk of falls, especially with the more sedating antidepressants
Difficult behaviors exhibited in dementia is very common. Personal caregivers need to remember that the disease is the cause. . Again, medication can help with some individuals. A variety of Pills in the personal electronic pill dispenser with alarm maybe the first line of defense. To sum up, your loved one is not acting this way deliberately.
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