Hi. I'm 44 and live with my mother 83 who has quite advanced dementia. She's been in and out of care homes for the last few years but My sister and I have elected to have her cared for at home with help from the NHS and a live in carer. This has improved the situation for everyone and especially my mother,
To cut a long story short we are really struggling with her level of agitation. She simply shouts all day. You wouldn;t believe it and it must be extremely tiring for her. She has exhibited this behaviour alot since her dementia worsened. We have always put it down to her thyroid supplement that seems to increase her agitation. However if we reduce the dose the blood tests come back as low thyroid and also her general condition seems to deteriorate slightly.
She is on risperidone 0.5mcg daily. We need a change. We don't like the risperidone anymore. It seems to make her cry more and she is drooling alot lately. Has anyone else faced this situation and can they recommend any other medications that might work? We are thinking anti depressents? Or would anti anxiety meds be more suitable?
Would be great to hear your insights.
Thanks
Sinclair
To cut a long story short we are really struggling with her level of agitation. She simply shouts all day. You wouldn;t believe it and it must be extremely tiring for her. She has exhibited this behaviour alot since her dementia worsened. We have always put it down to her thyroid supplement that seems to increase her agitation. However if we reduce the dose the blood tests come back as low thyroid and also her general condition seems to deteriorate slightly.
She is on risperidone 0.5mcg daily. We need a change. We don't like the risperidone anymore. It seems to make her cry more and she is drooling alot lately. Has anyone else faced this situation and can they recommend any other medications that might work? We are thinking anti depressents? Or would anti anxiety meds be more suitable?
Would be great to hear your insights.
Thanks
Sinclair