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Suggest Treatment For Grief Induced Depression Episodes And Confusion
Question: My Mother, age 70 took care of my grandmother for the last 14 years in Florida, they had an extremely close relationship, my grandmother recently passed away 3 month's ago and my Mom seemed to be handling this as well as could be expected, two events recently occurred, Mother's Day and a XXXXXXX discussion about Finances, late payments on Insurance etc...since then it seems as if Mom has had some kind of acute dementia take hold, conversations with her are difficult as she seems to be in a constant state of confusion, she seems to be grasping for words as well. I also know that she is on Diazepam and perhaps some other antidepresent, how badly should I be worried that this is some kind of vascular dementia due to rapid onset or that it may just be the grief that is now overwhelming her or a combination of both, it seems like she has aged 20 years in the last month. I know she needs to go to a doctor but right now I am extremely concerned about what has transpired over the last several weeks.
Brief Answer:
Appears to be grief induced depression episode.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.
Based on your query, my opinion is as follows:
1. Due to recent stressful events, she appears to be depressed.
2. Looking at the symptoms, it appears to be more of acute event like depression. Cannot think of possibility of vascular dementia, as there is no stroke involved.
3. She is already on medications, and it will take time for her to recover. Further stressful events will hamper recovery. Additionally, each stressful event, will affect her cognition and progression towards dementia will be hastened.
4. Any extra medications is not necessary. She will require good supportive care, if possible caretaker, specifically for her to take care of her. Giving her extra support, maintaining routines, making sure she is taking medications, nutritious food, hygiene and mild exercises will be helpful.
Not to worry for now. Emotional support is necessary at this point without any further stressful episodes. Medications should be carefully watched for.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, here to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM
Appears to be grief induced depression episode.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.
Based on your query, my opinion is as follows:
1. Due to recent stressful events, she appears to be depressed.
2. Looking at the symptoms, it appears to be more of acute event like depression. Cannot think of possibility of vascular dementia, as there is no stroke involved.
3. She is already on medications, and it will take time for her to recover. Further stressful events will hamper recovery. Additionally, each stressful event, will affect her cognition and progression towards dementia will be hastened.
4. Any extra medications is not necessary. She will require good supportive care, if possible caretaker, specifically for her to take care of her. Giving her extra support, maintaining routines, making sure she is taking medications, nutritious food, hygiene and mild exercises will be helpful.
Not to worry for now. Emotional support is necessary at this point without any further stressful episodes. Medications should be carefully watched for.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, here to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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