My mother has been living with us for the past 4 months, as her Alzheimer's Disease and dementia has gotten worse, and it is not safe for her to live alone any longer. She is on Namenda and Exelon Patch. She has a continuing anxiety problem and we have tried various small doses of medication, Trazodone, Klonopin, and now her new geriatric psychiatrist wants to replace those with Mirtazapine.
Nothing seems to have any impact on her anxiety issues, and she talks almost non-stop. Has anyone else run into this when caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's Disease?
I am grateful for what we do have, her life, our moments of joy, and we make the best of things. I wish she didn't get so anxious over any little thing, and I try to calm and reassure her.
/ wife in last stage alzheimer/dementia and at home
Also, I'm afraid I don't much about the meds your wife is on. I suppose that if she seems to be in mental discomfort, I might consult with a doctor who could evaluate the cause and adjust her meds. Is her primary writing her prescriptions now?
My cousin was very talkative in her earlier stages of dementia. She has Vascular mixed with Alzheimers. She talked incessantly and at times was quite anxious. She went on Cymbalta, which treats pain, anxiety and depression and there was a great improvement. It brought her a lot of contentment and she no longer talks that way. She is now in the severe stage. She can talk, but usually, only if you ask her questions and even then, she doesn't elaborate.
But that's not why I'm writing, I couldn't find a way to start a new thread, my brain is pretty well shot, and I'm filled with some pretty bad resentment,
I read this comment, and noticed my account details; I'm not too active here, but so many people liked my comments and sent me hugs. As you know, that's just a lovely boost so thank you. Sorry this is in the wrong place. Thank you all so much, and hang in there. I swear it, hang in there. This group is great. May whatever you believe in bless you very much.
Love.
NomdeVoyage
My husband has not said an actual word in almost 1 year now but prior to that for the past 5 years he said only a few words, yes, what and why. And for a few years before that conversation was rare and maybe just a sentence here and there.
So while changing medication or adjusting medication might help or then again it might not the "problem" might have resolved itself in time anyway when another portion of the brain gets hit.
I have found when one "problem" is resolved another is sure to make itself known. Then I have to learn how to deal with a new challenge. I like to think of them as challenges not problems. I am the one that has to adapt and learn how to deal with something new. I have said for everything he forgets I have to learn something new.
So although it drives you crazy enjoy the chatter because you never know what might me next it might be something even more irritating!
just one last thought. There has been a lot of research on music and headphones. Would she put on headphones to listen to music? It might block out ambient noise that she may find intrusive and overstimulating.