Would my Mom (95) who lives with mid-stage Alzheimer's disease benefit from either a low dose or mild anti-anxiety medication?

I agree with much that has been said before about consulting with a doctor and being willing to try medications and see what works best for your Mom. We did this with Dad and found the combination of things that worked for him.

In addition, you might try music. There is a documentary "Alive Inside" that talks about this. In short, put music that your Mom loved when she was young on an iPod shuffle ($49 new). Many people have old ones around. Get some over the ear headphones ($10- 15 at Best Buy - avoid earbuds). Let her listen to the music as a way to settle down. I tried this with my Dad and it was amazing how he perked up and seemed to really enjoy listening. You also might want to get a headphone jack splitter so you can listen with her.

3mg slow melt melatonin works for my mom who is 93 late stage alz.

I would say she needs something to calm her down razapayne.my husband takes it and it takes the edge off .and the best thing is u take it at night with the other meds for dementia.

Renee66, What is razapayne??

Risperdal, maybe
?

Reserpine?

HA, my guess is lorazepam (ativan). Anybody else? By the way, it is not working for us, doc wants to start mirtazapine (remeron).

Another thing that works great for my Mom is B12. The difference in my Mom's mental state when she takes it compared to when she doesn't is amazing. They give her 250mcg along with her other medicine.

Ativan does little to nothing for my mom. Remeron has been a gift from G-d.

My mother takes Celexa, Namenda, Aricept, and Serequel to address anxiety, memory and agitation. She also takes Trazadone to sleep. I've found that all of these meds have made a world of difference.