Grandma is in SNF . She suffers from advanced stage dementia and other diagnosis’s. Recently her behaviour has escalated. She makes allegations, cries a lot, increased hoarding and gets verbally aggressive. The facility’s resident doctor has always reviewed her but refused to put her on anti depressants which I was grateful given she is very alert and still mobile . Due to increased behaviour she was reviewed by a psych a week ago and was prescribed 2 medications (Donzepril and ativan) started with lower doses.
I have tried to read about this meds however is confusing. Has anyone has a loved one who was prescribed this meds with the diagnosis of dementia ? Just want to know what your experiences were or what you observed?
She just started taking the meds recently and I spoke to her over the phone today. She sounded very tired and lethargic on the phone. I m worried that this meds will make her decline further.
Donepezil (generic of Aricept)is a medication that in some cases slows the progress of dementia. Ativan is an anti anxiety agent.
Have you spoken to the psych doctore directly?
My mother, with vascular dementia, did well, was calm but not lethargic on low doses of Lexapro and Remeron (both antidepressants) and klonopin (an anti-anxiety med).
OP's mom will decline. That is the nature of the beast. Meds can help calm her.
Being agitated, depressed, anxious and paranoid is exhausting. Consider that gma's current lethargy might be, not a reaction to the meds, but exhaustion from her former agitation.
I have experienced crushing depressions in my life and antidepressants enabled me to climb out of the hole each time.
I am curious what you've read that makes you think that antidepressants would decrease gma's mobility or alertness.
Assuming that other concerns, including UTI and/or other infection, neurological changes, perhaps recent environmental differences in facility, what do you want for her, given the fact that she has been diagnosed with a progressive, global neurological condition?
If given the choice of being agitated, tearful, and uncomfortable OR peaceful but more quiet, which choice do you think she would make? What does the care staff say?
Whether given medications to make her safer and more peaceful or not, she will decline, sometimes rapidly, sometimes over a longer course of time. That is a tragic fact which we must all accept as we care for those whom we love who have dementia.
Your concerns are thoughtful and loving, and with them, if you will consider objectively what is the best you can do for her, even when neither choice is what you’d hope for, you’re likely to find peace for her and hopefully, for yourself.
Good luck, however you decide.