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tarajane Asked November 2015

My husband told me he has been feeling "off" for a few days. Any advice?

He is on Seroquel, Aericept and Lexapro. Does anyone think his meds may need be bumped up? I will ask his doc of course but has anyone experienced this ?

jeannegibbs Nov 2015
Yes, dementia symptoms can fluctuate. In Lewy Body Dementia fluctuations are a primary symptom, but I understand that there are fluctuations in most types of dementia. The changes can range from small to fairly significant. The overall pattern is always downward -- dementia gets worse over time. But there can be lots of hills and valleys on that downward slope. A Google search for dementia fluctuation will give you many choices for reading about this.

His meds may need to be adjusted.

My husband responded remarkably well to his drug program, but even on drugs he had "good" days and "bad" days (or hours.) I don't think you can expect drugs to totally eliminate fluctuations. Still, adjustment to his current med dosages may help.

pamstegma Nov 2015
If his color was off, too pale, maybe even grayish call 911. A panic attack is not usually accompanied by someone lying back with eyes closed.

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tarajane Nov 2015
Do you mean his Dementia can fluctuate ? New to this. Severe fluctuations or mild ? How can meds control this if this is what it is ?

tarajane Nov 2015
Jeannegibbs, I got home about an hour ago and he said he was ok. I could tell he wasn't . Ate pizza and I watched him on the couch and he had his eyes closed. Finally he said," I've got something going on here, can I have and Ativan". He said he was in a panic. I gave him one and he went to bed. He said it started earlier, like his sundowning is coming back. So that's why I think his meds need to be increased. Thank you for your advice. Will keep you all posted.

jeannegibbs Nov 2015
My advice is to watch this a while and see if it persists. Also to take detailed notes about what "off" means in this case so you can discuss it productively with the doctor.

It is very typical for persons with dementia to have good days and not-so-good days, which some describe as "off" days and "on" days. I don't know if what your husband means by feeling "off," but if it comes and goes over the next couple of weeks I'd wonder if this is the fluctuations of the dementia. Definitely discuss it with the doctor.

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