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What do you think Mom needs now? She just started on Zoloft a few weeks ago for her depression and obsessions. So far it isn't working she is still depressed, doesn't "feel well" and still writing obsessive notes. It may be too soon, or she is palming the pill and not taking it. But now she is becoming mean and verbally aggressive, angry, argumentative. To me this is a different problem than depression? Today she was so awful to my sister all she did was argue until my sister finally walked out. Mom started a loud argument in the lounge of AL in front of everyone and she pushed my sister's friend. I notice if she is angry, if we touch her at all, she pulls back with a terrible nasty threatening face and almost strikes at us. At this rate it won't be long before she becomes physically aggressive. For 100 years old she is very strong (and healthy). I sent an e-mail through the doctor portal hoping the doctor will give her something else. She is able to care for her basic needs and we don't want her in memory care if its possible to avoid it. The cost of AL is high and memory care will be worse, and so will she if she is forced to let them help her and keep her confined. I'm hoping to keep her as independent as possible as long as we can.

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AmyGrace, my Mother-in-law has Severe Alzheimer's and is 84. I met her before was diagnosed, she has become very violent, I have had bites, black eyes, and many bruises over past 3 years and she has a foul mouth using words I never thought I would hear from an elderly woman. After speaking
With other family she has always been a controlling women and slap happy. I am a CNA so I was elected to care for her, she becomes 100x's stronger when In a rage. All I have to do is suggest bathing and she's off. She is on all the meds plus your right I watch her swallow the meds (I thought) and then find them hidden. She is a master at hiding and faking things. She does act like a child when she doesn't want to do something you ask of her. It is like walking on broken glass in bare feet around here, never know what is going to set her off. Sorry your also going through rough times.
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Actually I tried over and over, but she "couldn't" go. Her next visit maybe I can get one. I feel pretty helpless because I'm the only one who takes care of these things and I'm laid up and she won't cooperate with the aides. My sister has a very sick husband and she is trying to at least see her once in a while, get her snacks while I'm laid up. I hope I can drive next month, but by then her clothes will be absolutely filthy and she will need a podiatrist, doctor and audiologist appointment.
Babalou, Mom was diagnosed with Alzheimers (without tests) so it might just be age related dementia of some sort. She's never showed bipolar symptoms, thank goodness and the nastiness started months before the Zoloft. I noticed before we moved her that she was becoming very difficult and once I touched her arm, she swung around with an awful face and her arm pulled back like she was going to hit me. So I think this is probably unrelated to the Zoloft. She's ten times worse to my sister and more uncooperative with her but she is the one she calls with every little problem. Hopefully the doctor will get my message and consider all the information. No one suggested the inpatient hospital. At 100 where we live, I guess they figure its not worth it. I'm not thrilled with any of the doctors. I can tell they think we are exaggerating because she can put on an act of sweet gentleness and almost normal. She probably does that with most of the staff at AL too. With Mom it has always been "what other people think of her, so she's been, I guess you could say, "acting" or manipulating her "perceived image to others" all her life. My sister has told me some stories about years ago that has given me a very different vision of who Mom really is (sis is 10 years older, lived in town, whereas I left for college, married and never moved back until 20 years ago)
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Amy, if the aggression is a new symptom and a change of mental status for your mom, call the doctor RIGHT AWAY. Zoloft can have contradictory effects on some folks, especially those who are bipolar (I think). I don't recall what your mom has been diagnosed with, but the doctor certainly Ned's to know what is going on.

Has anyone ever suggested an inpatient behavioral hospital to get her properly medicated?
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AmyGrace, has your Mom been checked for a UTI lately? Feisty at 100, amazing.
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