Mom is 84 with Alz. Recently broke hip ( due to an anger outburst from AD she fell down) and spent time in rehab and is now home with us ( living with me 1yr 7 months- she thinks a few weeks). She is on a form of tranquilzer ( at my requuest due to anger outbursts even to others visitiing from Alz assoc and caregivers etc....) to help us cope with her anger but it seems to be getting worse any way. I try taking her out for a drive grab a burger as she use to love just to people watch but seems after bringing her back she is even MORE angry and upset at every little thing so makes me not want to even take her out in the first place ( as she is almost entirely wheel chair bound and I have to get her and wheelchair in car etc...). Does taking an AD patient out energize the disease and make them more irritable?
Can sundowners take the form of anger instead of pacing?( She use to pace when she could walk). It is very hard to spend any time with her as she is always angry or can't understand what I am talking about. It is extremely hard to take her out as when we get there she gets upset about being there for what ever reason then wants her car back etc...... I am so tired of covering up that her " car is at the mechanics" etc..... should we ask dr to increase her meds to calm her down?
Any way the dr upped her meds which is Chloropromaz ( sp?) and nothing about the driving. I didn't want to out right ask in front of her as it might get her upset who knows any more so we are trying the higher dose of meds and I am hoping it will calm her down enough she won't talk about car again but I guess I can call him and leave message to write script. My other recourse is another BIG theraputic lie and tell her that the DMV required her health records from dr and he sent them and seeing them they refused her license. I know it still might stop her as she has already threatened to drive with out it, but don't worry the car is gone. We sold it so it is not here for her to even try to get into and go and the keys to my families cars are kept hidden just in case she would go so far ( I don't think so but am prepared).
It has been challenging dealing tactfully about the driving issue with her but I know have done what is best for her and those around her. She was getting lost driving when I took the car awayand is what prompted us to get her tested etc....... thanks all
Your Mother's behavior sounds like my 94 year old Mother's behavior about 8 months ago. She had been on Seroquel and Exelon patch for a couple of years, then more turned out NOT to be better. Our experience with a geriatric psychiatrist has been: with meds for dementia, "less is more". Their failing brains do not utilize drugs the same way a healthier brain does.
I echo luvmom's mention of Depakote, which mine is on now, but each is different, like snowflakes. I think what we know as anger, is the brain with dementia burning out, misfiring--however you perceive that it is not a conscious anger. I don't believe they are having a fit just to have a fit. I hope you understand what I am trying to say. THEY CAN'T HELP IT. Aggravating as they can be:)
This caregiver responsibility is a good one to teach us, not only patience and compassion, (I read your wall), but to realize that their reality is not our reality, and we cannot expect them to be the same with this disease as they were "before". It is sad to watch, and very difficult to take care of our Mothers 24/7--I did it in my house for a year.
Ask LOTS of questions tomorrow! Tell the doctor as soon as he/she walks in the door: you need this time to get it right for your Mom!!! Because if she is more comfortable, you will feel better, too.
I wish you and your Mom the very best, Deej. You are doing the right thing:)
Blessings and Hugs, Christina
planeman