Hello everyone, my first post. Would really like to learn more from any pharmaceutically trained users than I've been able to find out from GP and memory clinic about what meds best support someone with (a) mixed dementia (Alzheimer's and vascular) (b) double incontinence (c) a history of two kinds of cancer that have required chemo and radiotherapy so lower intestines are more delicate now (d) increasing agitation and hot temper, especially in evenings and at night (e) dizziness with inner ear issues and (f) high blood pressure. I would so love my OH (he's in late 80s) to be happier in his own skin than he is now, and to be able to sleep better myself! ATM, OH is on Donepezil, among other things.
Start-up pharmaceutical advice appreciated - or ideas of where to go for this
- Thread starter Brokenpoet
- Start date
Welcome to the forum @Brokenpoet.
You say in your post that you would -
I’m afraid you won’t get any advice from professionals on this forum as it’s against the forum rules for professionals to post advice. What you will get though is support and understanding from members who will be able to share their own experiences with you.
I think it would be best for you to contact your husband’s GP and his memory clinic staff to try to get more clarification on your husbands medications and needs.
This link will give some information on dementia drugs although I see your husband is already on Donepezil -
www.alzheimers.org.uk
This gives some information on dealing with incontinence -
www.alzheimers.org.uk
There’s some information on agitation and sundowning here -
www.alzheimers.org.uk
www.alzheimers.org.uk
You say in your post that you would -
I’m afraid you won’t get any advice from professionals on this forum as it’s against the forum rules for professionals to post advice. What you will get though is support and understanding from members who will be able to share their own experiences with you.
I think it would be best for you to contact your husband’s GP and his memory clinic staff to try to get more clarification on your husbands medications and needs.
This link will give some information on dementia drugs although I see your husband is already on Donepezil -
Dementia medication
There is currently no cure for dementia, but there is dementia medication that can help with some of the symptoms. Here we explain what is available.
www.alzheimers.org.uk
This gives some information on dealing with incontinence -
Toilet problems, continence and dementia
Read our guide to toilet problems and incontinence, including causes, solutions and how this might affect a person with dementia.
www.alzheimers.org.uk
There’s some information on agitation and sundowning here -
Restlessness and agitation in dementia
Restlessness and agitation are common behaviours in people living with dementia. These behaviours can be difficult for others to understand, but finding out the causes can help you to support the person.
www.alzheimers.org.uk
Sundowning and dementia
Sometimes a person with dementia will behave in ways that are difficult to understand in the late afternoon or early evening. This is known as 'Sundowning'.
www.alzheimers.org.uk
I'm sorry to hear of your situation. Presumably some things (e.g. high blood pressure) are already being medicated and you mention he is on donepezil for his dementia.
I totally get that you'd love him to be more happy, but I'm not sure there's a pill for that! Ditto incontinence - once that starts it has to be managed and unfortunately can't be fixed.
What I hear more than anything in your post is your desire to fix things and make him better - totally understandable but very hard to achieve. However, you could probably get him something for the evening agitation, also known as 'sundowning'. Anti-anxiety meds can sometimes help with this though some have a sedative effect that can lead to the person falling over, etc, so these risks have to be measured against any benefits.
I totally get that you'd love him to be more happy, but I'm not sure there's a pill for that! Ditto incontinence - once that starts it has to be managed and unfortunately can't be fixed.
What I hear more than anything in your post is your desire to fix things and make him better - totally understandable but very hard to achieve. However, you could probably get him something for the evening agitation, also known as 'sundowning'. Anti-anxiety meds can sometimes help with this though some have a sedative effect that can lead to the person falling over, etc, so these risks have to be measured against any benefits.
You can ask the pharmacist who dispenses his medication for a (free) medication review.
The pharmacist should check that he understands why each med is prescribed and is following the correct regimen. They should also inform him of any contraindications and inform prescriber if severe.
The review will be limited without access to his medical records.
The pharmacist should check that he understands why each med is prescribed and is following the correct regimen. They should also inform him of any contraindications and inform prescriber if severe.
The review will be limited without access to his medical records.
Pharmacists are good to ask about medications in general otherwise good advice from your OH's doctor is best.
To all, who replied, thank you for these comments and suggestions. I will see what the pharmacist says and go back to the GP for further ideas.