I'm a caregiver for my 92 year old Mom. In the past 4-5 months she has been having hallucinations and delusions on occasion. She has had 3 fairly bad "episodes" where she doesn't sleep for 2 days. I've taken her to a geriatric psychiatrist where she diagnosed her as having dementia. She instructed us to give her a very small dose of risperidone when she is having the hallucinations. I don't think it is working at all so they want to double the dose and give it at night, even when she isn't having hallucinations. They want me to bring her in any time I call for advice or have questions. Is this normal? Also, I don't know if I should make Mom aware that she has dementia (we weren't told what kind was suspected)? She is pretty sharp when she's not having an episode and I don't want to upset her and I want her to have the best quality of life she possibly can. Someone in my family called her crazy when she was having an episode so now she is constantly saying she's crazy, even though I reassure her she isn't. I'm worried if she knows she has dementia that she will think that even more. Am I wrong for not wanting her to know?
Naming a set of symptoms (x disease) does Not a solution create.
Therefore, will telling your Mother this medical tentative diagnosis ie label..help her life in any regard?
I am doubtful
Rispiradol was developed for treating schizrophenics. Studies on elderly suffering dementia diseases are mixed as to its effectiveness in improving quality of health & life in elderly suffering Dementia. It has many severe side effects including parkinsonism symptoms , tremor, drooling, & many others very distressing problems
In most cases this medication when given to dementia patients causes worsening of the problems it is being taken for
You didn't mention what are other medications your Mother is taking.
There are medications that are known to induce delirium & lead to behavioral disturbances in patients with Alzheimers type dementia.
.eg. steroid and narcotic pain killers
Before prescribing a double dose of a medication that has at a moderate dose not brought any improvement is short sighted and medical folly;
The recommended dose of respiradol in elderly with Alzheimers type dementia is
1gm. Any more causes a great increase in serious side effects
It is appropriate to do a medical workup (blood test, physical exam) & make sure she doesn't have any infections eg bladder infection...as this can also cause increase in the behavior problems that one is taking the drug to treat.
Insomnia is one of the most common side effects of rispiradone
Sleep is 'the great Healer" of life.
Without deep sleep your Mother will deteriorate & pass away rapidly
You might consider making her a big pot of herb tea each day. Herbs are foods & will nourish the body & help to regulate her nervous system.
The recipe below I have seen work very well when people are bone tired yet can't sleep.
And alternate between agitation & apathy
1tspn to a cup. 1oz to a pint. Bring Distilled water to the boil.
Its important to drink & cook only with Distilled water. It is sold at all big markets & pharmacies next to the other waters.
Pour over the herbs. Stir & cover. Leave 10mins to overnight. Overnight is ideal. These herbs are foods & are completely harmless. They will not interfere/interact with the medications she may be taking at all.
Take 1 cup am & pm & more if possible
1 part lavender flower,
1 part Chamomile flowers (lavender is best)
1 part Nettle leaf.
Organic is preferable..And purchased loose. Measure the water & weigh the herb
Keep in glass container in the fridge for up to 3 days
Warm one mug at a time & add 1 spoon raw honey from your local area
This tea smells wonderful, tastes delicious, and brings a strengthening & calming of the nervous system...and deep sleep
Nettle Seeds (etsy.com) A teaspoon of the seeds swallowed twice daily would be a wonderful tonic also.
I recommend both of these foods (tea & nettle seeds) for both you & your Mother. They will benefit both of you in many regards
We are all to die...its the quality of life that is the key to a happy life
Best regards
We all want to do what is best for our loved ones, however, it is concerning that the Dr is increasing her dose, especially for someone in their 90's.
Based on what you said about the psychiatrist.....I'd inquire if this doctor has experience in treating geriatric patients who have dementia. IMO, that's important. The idea of continually bringing a ninety year old dementia patient into an office for multiple visits, is quite shocking.
My husband suffers from dementia caused by PD. I belong to a caregivers support group of person's living with dementia, and also consult with many medical professionals. What I have learned is that most persons living with dementia don't know they have dementia. They know they can get confused, forget, and see or hear odd things, but they don't know it is their brain not functioning optimally. They really don't comprehend our reality vs. their reality. It is just their new normal. Read everything you can about dementia, research, and join a support group or two. Use humor and coping strategies to make your life easier during this stressful experience. Takes breaks from caregiving and take care of yourself. HUGS.