I just wanted to share my mum's recent experience with the use of antipsychotic medication as I thought it may be helpful.
My mum has a mixed dementia and in recent months has become ever more agitated and, at times, aggressive towards my dad.
We tried all manner of things to try to alleviate her distress, all to no avail.
My dad was getting to the point where he no longer felt able to cope and for the first time we were seriously considering a care home for my mum- something we wanted to avoid for as long as possible.
Seeing my mum suffering as she was- trying to leave the house to go 'home', crying and tearing at her hair, pretty much every day,my dad took her to her GP who prescribed a very low dose of Risperidone.
Obviously, this is something I had reservations about and knew it was a bit of a gamble with regards to how my mum would tolerate it.
Anyway, since taking it, there has been a marked reduction in her level of agitation.
Yes, she still talks about going home and gets very disorientated and somewhat agitated when she is encouraged to stay where she is, but she is so much happier in herself and the great thing is that she is not at all sedated and has shown no side effects so far.
I know there has been a lot of controversy about the over, or misuse of these drugs, but I guess I am writing this as I want people to know that when used carefully and when all else has failed, the results can be very heartening.
I feel like I have got a bit of my mum back now,and whilst I realise that this can't last forever, I am grateful that she is now able to laugh and smile and enjoy the things she once loved such as making cakes and shopping.
My mum has a mixed dementia and in recent months has become ever more agitated and, at times, aggressive towards my dad.
We tried all manner of things to try to alleviate her distress, all to no avail.
My dad was getting to the point where he no longer felt able to cope and for the first time we were seriously considering a care home for my mum- something we wanted to avoid for as long as possible.
Seeing my mum suffering as she was- trying to leave the house to go 'home', crying and tearing at her hair, pretty much every day,my dad took her to her GP who prescribed a very low dose of Risperidone.
Obviously, this is something I had reservations about and knew it was a bit of a gamble with regards to how my mum would tolerate it.
Anyway, since taking it, there has been a marked reduction in her level of agitation.
Yes, she still talks about going home and gets very disorientated and somewhat agitated when she is encouraged to stay where she is, but she is so much happier in herself and the great thing is that she is not at all sedated and has shown no side effects so far.
I know there has been a lot of controversy about the over, or misuse of these drugs, but I guess I am writing this as I want people to know that when used carefully and when all else has failed, the results can be very heartening.
I feel like I have got a bit of my mum back now,and whilst I realise that this can't last forever, I am grateful that she is now able to laugh and smile and enjoy the things she once loved such as making cakes and shopping.