Mailbox Response

The question was submitted Friday, 26 March 2010

Subject: my mom dementia

my mom had dementia 10 month ago i want to know what can i do to take care for her ajitation at home
thanks

Answer from DementiaNet

Agitation is a common manifestation of Alzheimer’s disease. It can be very frustrating to deal with family members. It may simply be due to the underlying brain disease, in which case environmental triggers need to be sought. An example is that some people become agitated if there is an appointment is impending. So one strategy is to not tell the person about the appointment until close to the time of the event. Agitation can also be due to drug side effects and other medical conditions such as pain from arthritis, constipation, bladder infection or insomnia. All of these factors should be assessed by your mother’s GP. Referral to a geriatrician is also recommended. There are drugs that can be use to control agitation but many of them have side effects and often the drugs do not work too well.

The answer was published on DementiaNet Monday, 29 March 2010