Are Mom's medications not working?

A fellow caregiver asked...

My mom has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's amongst some other health issues. It seems that her family doctor is not managing her health appropriately. She's been feeling really foggy lately so I'm assuming her medicine is not working. I live with her and I need to know how to handle this along side her. Are there Alzheimer's specialists we could go to? Or even caregiver support groups? I just want to help her to help herself. Thanks so much!

Expert Answer

Joanne Koenig Coste is a nationally recognized expert on Alzheimer's care and an outspoken advocate for patient and family care. She is the author of Learning to Speak Alzheimer's. Also, she currently is in private practice as an Alzheimer's family therapist. Ms. Koenig Coste also serves as President of Alzheimer Consulting Associates, implementing state-of-the-art Alzheimer care throughout the United States.

Alzheimer medication side effects are both plentiful and mysterious particularly when more than one medical issue exists. Not every patient reacts the same way to the different meds which confounds the prescription process often leading carepartners to assume the doctor is not appropriately managing their loved one's care. It is also difficult to know if the 'foggy' feeling is the natural course of the disease or is it a direct result of the meds. The local chapter of the Alzheimer's Association most likely has a list of specialists and may be worth a call to find a physician with whom you feel more comfortable. While you have them on the line, ask about support groups! The support of others living a similar scenario is the singular most helpful exploration for the carepartner. You do not have to talk, many prefer to listen, but either gives you the answers to many questions, preparation for the future, and the knowledge of what works for other folk. There are also online support groups that may be helpful. Remember to take care of YOU so that you may be the best carepartner possible.