Antidepressant medication makes sense when you think about what is going on in the brain of a person living with dementia. In fact, some of the studies I referenced found that antidepressants alone, and antidepressants combined with meds like donepezil, were more effective than antipsychotics in controlling difficult behaviors like agitation. On the other hand, antipsychotic medications were developed to address behaviors (like hallucinations and delusions) in people diagnosed with schizophrenia. These medications are not to be used lightly. This is why I promote non-drug approaches to behavior as much as possible.
Estimated reading time: 14 minutes
, I am going to describe why and how common two medications are commonly prescribed for people living with dementia: acetylcholine esterase inhibitors (pronounced a-SEE-tol-CO-leen ES-ter-ace) and memantine (prounounced meh-MAN-teen).
Estimated reading time: 15 minutes
Valentine’s Day is traditionally about romance. It celebrates the fun side of love. For many carers and care partners of persons living with dementia, love is demonstrated daily through multiple acts of kindness and dignity. Here is my Valentine’s message to these heroes. Send a care partner that you know something special this Valentine’s Day.
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Sun downing–a period of seemingly increased confusion and agitation that may occur in the afternoon/evening but can occur at any time–is a behavioral symptom of distress. Sun downing, like many dementia-related behaviors, is treated like “just one of those things.” Like an inevitable behavior that caregivers just have to put […]
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
People living with dementia have different safety needs, depending on the type of dementia they have and their current stage. In the video, I talk about what safety issues caregivers need to be prepared for, and what approaches they can take for those safety issues. Registration for The Dementia Behaviors […]
Estimated reading time: 41 seconds
Here is what you will get: Week 1: Overview of the different types of dementias How to avoid arguments Dealing with over-and-over again questions Dealing with irritability Group coaching–live questions and answers Week 2 What to do when people with dementia refuse help and care General approaches Bathing Dressing Medications […]
Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
Hello, everyone! Care refusals are so frustrating! In this video, I talk about the brain changes that contribute to care refusals. I did a good amount of research on this topic (click here and here for 2 publications). I hope this video is helpful. Please leave me comments below!
Estimated reading time: 40 seconds