How Can Agitation With Dementia In An Elderly Person Be Treated?

Posted on Mon, 19 Jun 2017

Question: Are there immediate health dangers to high anxiety/agitatation for a 95 year old with moderate dementia? We have reasons to relocate her but don't want to risk any permanent regression. Her source problems are vascular and probably Alzheimer's.

Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (7 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
There are no immediate health dangers.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for posting your query.

In a person with dementia, the confusion may increase, if moved to a new location, which can add to the anxiety. Besides this, there is no concern, and there are no immediate health dangers.

Please get back if you have any follow up query.

Best wishes,

Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Sudhir Kumar (21 hours later)

The resulting higher anxiety Could exacerbate other other physical issues such as blood pressure, pulse rate, vascular vulnerabilities, etc, would that logic be reasonable?

Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
BP and pulse rate would not have any significant change.

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for getting back.

Yes, I agree that there might be mild rise in blood pressure and pulse rate with anxiety, however, they are not known to be clinically significant. A careful watch can be kept on BP and pulse rate, and appropriate action taken, if needed.

Best wishes,

Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar