Psychiatric medication can help with symptoms
Psychiatric medication use in Alzheimer's
Although Alzheimer's disease has no cure at present there are some medications commonly used in psychiatric medicine that can help in the management of
symptoms of the disease. It is important that caregivers understand how the medication works, the effects of drug use in elders, i.e. dosage, toleration and
possible side effects.
Monitoring psychiatric medication use in Alzheimer's
Elders in general have a lower tolerance to this type of medication so psychiatric drugs are commenced on low doses. Caregivers, family members and medical
staff can monitor and evaluate the action of the medication in managing symptoms. The medication can then be increased slowly to avoid overmedication and
toxic side effects.
Targeting symptoms with psychiatric medications
Caring for people with dementia is a specialized field of expertise. It is important that your physician has the experience and training to help you care for
someone with Alzheimer's disease. Difficult, distressing and challenging behaviors exibited by some people who have dementia can be helped with medication
that target symptoms such as agitation, aggression, depression or anxiety. Using an appropriate medication or a combination of medications can make a huge
positive difference to some one with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. Minor and major tranquillizers and antidepressants are available. Medication used in
combination with theraputic nursing approaches will maximise their positive effects and specialist help will help you towards that improvment.
Evaluating newly prescribed medication
You have identified that the behavior exibited by the person with Alzheimer's requires a theraputic medication intervention. It is important not to rush into
increasing the dosage too quickly. You risk masking the positive effects of the drug with toxic side effects. The patient, the caregiver, the family and the
doctor need to work as a team to make an active evaluation of the medication. It can be a frustrating and exausting time. The person with Alzheimer's
requires time for their body to adjust to the new medication.
Medication Abuse
It is very important that psychiatric drugs are not used as a chemical restraint. Medication abuse is not uncommon in care of people with dementia, but it is
a violation of human rights and is not the aim of good medical practice.
