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Christine6050 Asked October 2016

My Mother with Alzheimer's and dementia has lost all inhibition and is attaching herself to a male resident at the assisted living. What to do?

She gets agitated and hits.

BarbBrooklyn Oct 2016
So, in general, Geriatric Psychiatrists try to figure out what medications will best ease a patient's symptoms.

As above, JeanneGibbs asked if your mom is on any meds for agitation. Many dementia patients show signs of agitation and anxiety (hitting, trying to escape, for example). The reality that they are dealing with is not OUR reality (they don't recognize family members as loving children and spouses; they view staff as their "jailers").

Sometimes antianxiety and antidepressant meds are sufficient to help with this agitation, but there are times when stronger meds such as antipsychotics are needed.

Work with the psychiatric team and hopefully, your mother's symptoms and behavior will become more manageable. Let us know how it goes!

Christine6050 Oct 2016
She is being sent for geriatric psych evaluation! Anybody have experience with that?

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pamstegma Oct 2016
Well, she won't be there much longer. Expect a call.

jeannegibbs Oct 2016
Is she on any medication for agitation? Has the facility suggested a resolution?

cwillie Oct 2016
OK, so who is it that wants them separated?These little romances in the NH aren't uncommon and the best way to handle them IMO is with tolerance, so long as they adhere to appropriate public behaviour.

Christine6050 Oct 2016
She is hitting staff and other patients. But she is enamored with that particular male pt and does not want to be separated from by the staff

zythrr Oct 2016
GardenArtist

I see. Thank you.

GardenArtist Oct 2016
Zytrhr, I think the OP meant to write that she "hits on" the male resident, as opposed to hitting someone with hostility.

zythrr Oct 2016
Sorry, please provide more information. Who does she hit?

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