Antidepressants

[Toffeeapple06]

Hi , I’ve posted on this forum before regarding my elderly mother who’s in a nursing home with vascular dementia
The Dr is keen to start her on anxiety drugs as she gets very agitated with the carers and at times lashes out
We don’t feel it’s the answer does anyone have experience of anti depressants & dementia ?

A medication named HALOPERIDOL is often used for Vascular Dementia patientsif they are aggressive. It is quite successful.

In a care home, you can imagine how disruptive anyone with aggression will be - just one person like that can upset all the others and make things difficult for staff, in being able to do their job (personal care especially).

I worked in the care sector for 22 years, seeing people in their own home, and have been bitten, kicked, punched, etc., when trying to shower or dress someone with Dementia.

Sorry to hear about your my, it's such a terrible illness. If her anxiety and agitation is affecting her well being and care then yes I would think something to keep her a bit calm would help. If she is lashing out then it is not nice for her, the staff won't be able to help her feel clean, deal with her continence issues or help her move safely in the bed. There are several drugs available which the doctor can prescribe. What are your concerns about medication. Is your mum walking around, able to join in with activities, does she seem happy there.

If the doc thinks it's an idea and it's fairly mild and won't knock her out then I would try it - although it may be that she is in pain?? Anything that makes life more comfortable for her