![]() ![]() But they can have significant side-effects and risks, which are often not explained to families. In many cases, antipsychotics and other tranquilizing medications can certainly calm the behaviors. This is sometimes described as a “chemical restraint” (as opposed to tying people to a chair, which is a “physical restraint”). (For more on the drugs that are FDA-approved to treat the cognitive symptoms of dementia, see here: 4 Medications to Treat Alzheimer’s & Other Dementias: How They Work & FAQs.)īut it is VERY common for medications - especially antipsychotics - to be prescribed “off-label” for this purpose. In fact, no medication is FDA-approved for the treatment of these types of behaviors in Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Or even “crazy-making” symptoms, as they do tend to drive family caregivers a bit nuts.īecause these behaviors are difficult and stressful for caregivers - and often for the person with dementia - people often ask if any medications can help.Ī better answer is “Maybe, but there will be side-effects and other significant risks to consider, and we need to first attempt non-drug ways to manage these behaviors.” ![]() These are technically called “neuropsychiatric” symptoms, but regular people might refer to them as “acting crazy” symptoms. Disinhibited behaviors, which means saying or doing socially inappropriate things.Agitation (getting “amped up” or “revved up”) and/or aggressive behavior.Delusions, paranoid behaviors, or irrational beliefs.These are symptoms beyond the chronic memory/thinking problems that are the hallmark of dementia. One of the greatest challenges, when it comes to Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, is coping with difficult behaviors. ![]()
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