Could Mom's worsening symptoms be the next stage or due to a new medication?
Jfaye asked...
My mom is 74 years-old and has Alzheimer's. Two weeks ago she just sat and didn't cary much conversation. We had to get the doctor to change her medications to dissolvable ones. It seems like when she started to take this new medication, she changed. She is now wetting herself and does not know it. She just sits and talks away regardless if anyone is listening ot her. Could this be the next stage or the new medication?
Expert Answer
Ladislav Volicer, M.D., Ph.D., is recognized as an international expert on advanced dementia care. He is a courtesy full professor at the School of Aging Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa, and visiting professor at the Third Medical Faculty, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic. Twenty-five years ago, he established one of the first dementia special care units.
You did not say which medication was changed. However, the best way to find out if the change is due to the medication is to stop it or go back to the old medication. Lot of treatments of Alzheimer's disease uses "trial and error" strategy.