My father (88) has mid-stage Alzheimers's and is taking Aricept. After a recent stay in the hospital he has become extremely argumentative and paranoid. My mother (81) wants to keep my father at home for as long as possible but the mood swings are getting more difficult to deal with. What drug would help calm my father?
What drugs help aggression in Alzheimer's patients?
Question posted by jerseykathy on 25 Jan 2010
Last updated on 14 March 2012 by Julieanne1
3 Answers
After a 5 week hospital stay, my mother who has severe dementia became extremely delirius and aggressive, while she was in hospital they administered Olanzapine at night and serepax during the day. Both were minimal in their positive effect. On leaving the hospital a geriatrician prescribed Risperadone at .5mg nightly, which has minimised the agression as well as the fact Mum is at home and feels safe again has created a calmer atmosphere, but I do believe the Risperadone has helped at lot during the early days after hospitalisation. I only give my Mum .25mg at night as it has a few worrying side effects.. and this dose seems to work and I have not needed to give Serepax during the day. One of the side effects which is a bit of a problem is the increased urination and incontinence at night, but better this than the crazies in the afternoon... such a horrible, horrible disease!!
I can't say what might help but from experience with my father I can say don't put him on Seroquel and/or Haldol -
I suggest reading up on any new meds prescribed for him
Good luck
Talk to his doctor about Ginko Biloba. That stimulates the mind. This just may help.
Related topics
aricept, alzheimer's disease, dementia
Further information
- Aricept uses and safety info
- Aricept prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Aricept (detailed)
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