030 – Drugs for Difficult Dementia Behaviors: What to Know

In This Episode:

Dr. K explains what families should know about the five types of medications used to treat difficult behaviors in people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. She covers:

• Why “chemical restraints” such as antipsychotics and tranquilizers are often prescribed inappropriately
• How antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, mood stabilizers, antidepressants work for dementia behaviors, and how much improvement to expect
• Common side-effects to look out for
• The pros and cons of each type of medication
• Important non-drug approaches that can help with dementia behaviors, and why these should be used before resorting to medications
• Tips and suggestions for families considering these drugs
• What you can do if your relative with dementia is taking antipsychotics or tranquilizers

Related episode: 

026 – 4 Medications for Alzheimer’s & Other Dementias: FAQs & Tips

Related Resources:

• 5 Types of Medication Used to Treat Difficult Dementia Behaviors
• Alzheimer’s and Dementia Behavior Management (Helpguide.org)
• Anxiety and Agitation (Alz.org)
• 4 Types of Brain-Slowing Medication to Avoid if You’re Worried About Memory