HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

How Can Alzheimer S Disease Be Treated?

My friend has Alzheimer s and was prescribed risperidone .25mg. She became non interactive and would not engage in a conversation. The family decided to cut the pill in half about 3 weeks ago. Now she is leaving the home and wandering, and today wander off while shopping with her son and left the store. She also takes donepezil HCL 10 mg. What are options for quality of life with safety in mind?
Mon, 9 Oct 2017
Report Abuse
Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello thanks for asking from HCM

She has Alzheimer's and is showing symptoms like leaving the home, wandering here and there, abnormal behaviour etc. These symptoms are occurring due to agitation because of dementia. A lot of patients with Alzheimer's develop agitation over the course of time. She is on Risperidone 0.25 mg and this is a low dose of the drug. But even with such low dose her activity level has reduced. In such case for her agitation and abnormal behaviour other drugs like Lurasidone can be used.

Lurasidone is safe to use in Alzheimer's. The drug is even beneficial in Dementia of Alzheimer's type. The drug has positive effects on cognition too.

She is taking Donepezil and is on right drug for dementia but if her dementia symptoms are not improving the cognitive enhancers like Piracetam can be used. Please consult with her doctor for the medicine changes I've mentioned.

Thanks and Take care
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
How Can Alzheimer S Disease Be Treated?

Hello thanks for asking from HCM She has Alzheimer s and is showing symptoms like leaving the home, wandering here and there, abnormal behaviour etc. These symptoms are occurring due to agitation because of dementia. A lot of patients with Alzheimer s develop agitation over the course of time. She is on Risperidone 0.25 mg and this is a low dose of the drug. But even with such low dose her activity level has reduced. In such case for her agitation and abnormal behaviour other drugs like Lurasidone can be used. Lurasidone is safe to use in Alzheimer s. The drug is even beneficial in Dementia of Alzheimer s type. The drug has positive effects on cognition too. She is taking Donepezil and is on right drug for dementia but if her dementia symptoms are not improving the cognitive enhancers like Piracetam can be used. Please consult with her doctor for the medicine changes I ve mentioned. Thanks and Take care