T:Need input on the treatment of AD related aggression	Q:Greetings all,  First-timer here. I need some input please. I was informed today by my mother's <institution> that due to Mom's increased aggression towards other residents in her <institution>,  we either have to start her immediately on the drug <medicine> and get her aggression under control,  or she will have to be moved to a <institution>. Last <day>,  they also told me that she has Sundown Syndrome. IS there anything else,  some other method,  some other way,  some other drug?  She has congestive heart failure and the info I have seen on this drug,  <medicine>,  indicates it isn't recommended for patients with heart conditions. I feel like they are rushing me. Like I have been given an ultimatum,  do this or else! And I don't think it is the best option for her!  Any suggestions?  Thank you for any information you are kind enough to share.  	A:Is she on <medicine>? 


A:I wasn't aware that they used <medicine> for AD related aggression. I take <medicine> for nerve pain related issues. Has she been seen by her <professional_practitioner>? If not,  do not take the recommendation of a <institution> but rather her <professional_practitioner>. There are a few medications out there that can help with AD. My grandmother is on <medicine> for hers. There is also <medicine> that has been shown be a good medication.  My grandmother also has Sundowners. This is a chemical imbalance in their brain that is affected by cloudy and rainy weather. It typically affects the person's mind after sundown. The sun is sort of feel well and stablizing sort of thing for them. When it goes down,  it affects their mind. It is actually pretty typical with dementia and Alzheimers.  


A:I'm on <medicine>(<medicine>)


A:Many people think that calming Alzheimer's medicines are just heavy duty tranquilizers,  they fear that giving their loved ones these medicines will turn them into zombies who cannot think,  feel or communicate. However,  many calming medications actually give them a new lease on their lives by enabling them to approach problems and memory-related frustrations with little more equilibrium. Calming medicines for them serve one ultimate function is to calm the patient and prevent from injuring themselves or others,  and these meds can help them continue to focus and function on their daily routines,  and from harming themselves and those around them. there are different types of medications that are used to calm Alzheimer's patients. They say drugs used to treat schizophrenia can also help limit patients aggression and the idea that people are out to get them. 


A:Thank you all!  Can't think where my other response went. I understand about the zombie part. I also don't want what has always made Mom unique (on SOOO many levels) to be squashed. Since she is too far gone into the sundowner's and the aggession to try a non-pharmeceutical approach,  we have determined that for now we will try using <medicine> daily and <medicine> as needed. Not happy about it,  but really had no choice but to proceed with pharmeceutical intervention. They also mentioned taking her off her <medicine> and <medicine> because it reaches the point where it doesn't work any more. This I know also,  but who or what determines when it's not working anymore?  Mom is still thrilled by the beauty of things around her,  still loves to shop,  still loves a good cup of tea,  and a good meal eaten with her family. Sounds to me like she isn't past the point of the meds working. I am also taking her for a psych evaluation with a <professional_practitioner>. Any ideas,  input or suggestions on the <medicine>/<medicine> Thanking you all,  I remain <name>  


A:<medicine> can cause worseing of the disease. 


A:I know,  but they didn't seem to have an alternative and they PROMISED it would only be used as needed,  like when the aggression seems to have reached the point where she is going to lash out at a resident. Since they haven't been able to keep her calm,  I am wondering if they will be a:) able to get to her in time,  and b:) make her TAKE the med as it is an oral medication. We will have to wait and see. What would be a good altenative to <medicine>?  Thanking you for your assistance,  I remain, <name>  


A:I would refuse her being taken off <medicine>/<medicine>. Sounds like she's doing good on them. <medicine> is a good substitue for <medicine>.  It should calm her but not make her a zombie.  Just remember it takes time to get into the system. 


A:Thank you,  <name>. So far,  I have managed to resist taking her off the <medicine>/<medicine>. I have told them until she is apparently NOT enjoying anything,  we are going to keep her on it. She is failing quickly now that her roommate passed away. They were attached at the hip and I know that Mom misses her. Her roommate was so lively and kept Mom going. To point out the hallucinations mom is having,  they tell me Mom walks up and down the hallway alone,  talking to somebody who isn't there. HELLO! She's doing the same thing she did everyday up to the point her roommate passed. Mom is walking with her and talking with her,  I'm sure. BTW,  they have told me Mom is at stage <num>. You mentioned the <medicine> in a previous email. I didn't realize you were suggesting it as an alternative to the <medicine>. They are only suggesting the <medicine> specifically for those times she needs it. Which hasn't been any time since the incident <day>s ago. I will research the <medicine> as an alternative. Do you have any particular information regarding the <medicine> as opposed to the <medicine>. If not,  do you know a good site that may have the information?  As always,  I appreciate the advice and the information. I remain, <name>  


A:I was on <medicine> for <time_period> for serious agitation due to an inept caregiver at a rehab my hubby was in after knee surgery. I have vascular Dementia but at the time we were told I had AD, which wasn't so.  I asked my <professional_practitioner> to be retested & he agreed I was doing too well for AD. I now take <medicine>(generic <medicine>)It works for me. 


A:Greetings all, Just wanted to update on my Mom and her situation. Aside from her aggression issues,  the <institution> waited till she had lost <num> lbs before telling me that she wasn't eating at all. As I mentioned above,  I suggested <medicine> for her. This poor woman has suffered from depression since her <age>'s and because of the stigma of the era,  never did anything about it. I do not know if at any time prior to me taking over her medical care,  antidepressants were suggested by her <professional_practitioner> Probably not,  as I have no high opinion of his medical skills,  but Mother has been known to get home from the <professional_practitioner>'s and THROW OUT any written prescriptions he may have given her. so I will give the <professional_practitioner> the benefit of the doubt.  Since I took over her medical care in <date>,  I have asked and asked and ASKED for an antidepressant for her and finally,  in <date> . SOMEONE listened! She has been taking <medicine> since <month> and it is now the end of <month> and they have only had recourse to the <medicine> <num> times. I am quite pleased. She seems happier and more lively mentally and that is FABULOUS! Also,  I did take over her menus and so far,  it seems that all is going well and she is eating again. The <institution> is giving me full credit for her increased appetite. I think it is the <medicine> (who wants to eat when they're depressed?) but if they want to give me credit for the change,  who am I to argue?So Mom is doing better mentally with no major psychotics being used frequently. She and her new roommate are getting along famously,  but there is no replacement for her old roommate and I can see her failing physically. She has given up tapdancing for the residents. But she is <age> and even she admits she is getting old,  God bless her heart.  For all who responded and offered their assistance,  I give you my sincere thanks for your efforts on my mom's behalf. I appreciate it so much.  Sincerely,<name>  


A:<medicine> is in the Benzo family NOT good for dementia of any type. 


A:I am so happy to hear your mom is doing better. i hv to agree with <name> on the <medicine> though there are other meds that wont cause as many problems with ad peeps as <medicine> does. keep us posted. <name>


A:. Like <name> . I have not heard of <medicine> being used for AD patient and agression issues. i too take it for nerve pain. i hope you will continue to keep us posted on your Mom and what is going on with her. huggles. <name>
