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Suggest Treatment For Depression And Vascular Dementia

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Posted on Sat, 2 Apr 2016
Question: my husband has been told by 2 doctors that he is an Introvert, has Major Depression and has Vascular Dementia! Oh what a mess we have after being married for 42 years feel so bad for him as I have not been very understanding, actually right down mean to him because I felt he was ignoring me all this years. He had always been very quite. and read continually. With started books in every room. He has had an explosive anger problem most our life together which included high blood pressure. The doctors tell me they think that his blood pressure got so high with the anger spells it cause XXXXXXX strokes. The psychiatrist prescribed meds for his conditions and I don't see to much of the anger. I saw his ex-rays and his brain had ALOT of black specks. I was told these were the XXXXXXX strokes and there was something about the gray part of his brain that was concerning. I'm in trouble. I am trying to learn how to live with him and his health problems and I'm very nervous about what's to come with his Vascular Dementia He has been seen by the same councilor and psychiatrist since 2009. I feel we have not progressed for the last 2 years. Help us. very hard to stay together.

appreciate any help, XXXXXXX M--Iowa
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (29 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
I understand it is difficult but....

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Thanks for using healthcaremagic.

I have gone through the provided details and understand your concerns.

Before moving to your question I should inform you that there is no point in having guilt for all these years. What you perceived over the years resulted in thinking that he is ignoring but that was not the case. I understand we tend to blame our self for our wrong beliefs but we need to understand that this is not going to help us in any way. We need to know that it was not intentional and you were not aware that he is introvert.

Now regarding adjustment after new diagnosis of vacular dementia following changes are required.

Firstly try to know organisations/societies working for people with dementia in your region (I hope you have already done it). Following this try to communicate with others how they are managing their stress and a person with dementia diagnosis at home. They will be also helpful in giving you required support either in emergency or any other routine day.

Secondly find support for yourself in this difficult time from caring family members and relatives if possible. Try to have some breaks from routine caring so you do not feel exhausted with all these issues and so you can take care of him for longer duration.

Thirdly involve him in one or another activities as far as possible. I understand it will be not a easy task as amotivation may also present but even slight engagement in meaningful activities gives really good results.

Last but not least discuss with your psychiatrist for changing treatment. I understand that there is no medication FDA approved for vascular dementia but a off label try can be made with other anti dementia medications.

I hope this helps you to some extent.
If you have any further query, I would be glad to help you.
If not, you may close the discussion and if possible you may rate the answer for me, so that I get a good feedback.
In future if you wish to contact me directly, you can use the below mentioned link:
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-ashok-kumar/67386
Thanks and regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (1 hour later)
So far my husband doesn't show much dementia. He drives and stays at home by himself while I go to work. Right now, I don't know if things he says or acts is dementia or depression or introvert. I have read about introverts and I guess I just sit and be quite until he is ready to speak. usually that is about 5 words.
I feel sad because I can't talk about things like (my interests or who I saw at work), because it seems to irritate him. He has also decided to not take a bath. It's been 14 days. and 2 years for brushing his teeth. What up with this? He says he just doesn't want to. More Help Please
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (14 hours later)
Brief Answer:
I think there is need of second opinion

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for reverting back to me and sorry for delayed reply.

With available information I feel there is need to review his diagnosis. I do not mean that the diagnosis of dementia (vascular ) is wrong but there is something which rarely happens with vascular dementia. The kind of inertia as well as irritability observed in him is rare in vascular dementia.

Even if the psychiatrists persists with his diagnosis there is need to address these symptoms symptomatically.

Considering all these I request you to seek a second opinion. I understand it will be difficult to get him to doctor but I feel that this could be of great help.

I hope this assists you.
Thanks and regards
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2000

Answered : 3347 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Depression And Vascular Dementia

Brief Answer: I understand it is difficult but.... Detailed Answer: Dear XXXXXXX Thanks for using healthcaremagic. I have gone through the provided details and understand your concerns. Before moving to your question I should inform you that there is no point in having guilt for all these years. What you perceived over the years resulted in thinking that he is ignoring but that was not the case. I understand we tend to blame our self for our wrong beliefs but we need to understand that this is not going to help us in any way. We need to know that it was not intentional and you were not aware that he is introvert. Now regarding adjustment after new diagnosis of vacular dementia following changes are required. Firstly try to know organisations/societies working for people with dementia in your region (I hope you have already done it). Following this try to communicate with others how they are managing their stress and a person with dementia diagnosis at home. They will be also helpful in giving you required support either in emergency or any other routine day. Secondly find support for yourself in this difficult time from caring family members and relatives if possible. Try to have some breaks from routine caring so you do not feel exhausted with all these issues and so you can take care of him for longer duration. Thirdly involve him in one or another activities as far as possible. I understand it will be not a easy task as amotivation may also present but even slight engagement in meaningful activities gives really good results. Last but not least discuss with your psychiatrist for changing treatment. I understand that there is no medication FDA approved for vascular dementia but a off label try can be made with other anti dementia medications. I hope this helps you to some extent. If you have any further query, I would be glad to help you. If not, you may close the discussion and if possible you may rate the answer for me, so that I get a good feedback. In future if you wish to contact me directly, you can use the below mentioned link: http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-ashok-kumar/67386 Thanks and regards