Alzheimer's patient threatening suicide. Any advice?

Do you think that he really wants to end his life? For some people, suicide threats are a form of blackmail to get what they want. For others, it’s just a way to hit back at the person they are blaming. It might be worth taking it up to him, and asking him clearly if his life is valueless to him if he can’t drive, and what he wants to do about it. Losing his license is obviously difficult for him, but that doesn’t justify him making it difficult for you.

Losing the freedom to drive is profound. I’m sorry for him.

I’m sorry - and understand all the losses you are going through also.

If if you do get him on an antidepressant, it takes about a month to take effect.

Min the meantime, do what you can to distract him. He will get used to this change.

Zoloft is not the only antidepressant out there. In addition, there are also now tests that can be done to help the prescribing doctor tell which antidepressant will work best.

Does the patient have the wherewithal (means, planning ability) to carry our a suicide? You definitely need to inform the doctor about this.

My father has said he is suicidal to his PCP. He has not adjusted to losing his license even 9 months later. He's miserable at the loss of independence. The PCP gave him zoloft, 50 then 100 then 150. Only recently, because he's had some dizziness, did the Dr. stop the zoloft. He was worse on the zoloft than off and I'm glad he stopped taking it. Very negative profound personality change on that med.

Call his doctor. Maybe he can give him something to help with the depression he maybe feeling. He has lost a freedom he probably doesn't understand why.