NBSP;
Alzheimer's and Dementia Counseling and Education: call Cindy Keith of M.I.N.D. in Memory Care at (814)-235-0691, or e-mail at keithc@mindinmemorycare.com
Moving In Nurturing Directions
in Memory Care
Dementia Information
Friday, July 15, 2011
NEW GUIDELINES FROM AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY FOR MANAGING BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS IN ELDERS WITH DEMENTIA
Dementia is not the only subject covered in this Guide. Bipolar disorder, depression, and schizophrenia are all included along with the behavioral symptoms that are often associated with different types of dementia, including Alzheimer's.
I especially like the way the AGS has put much of this information into Tables for easy comparison. For example, seven antipsychotics are listed in a Table which shows side effects (and they ALL have multiple side effects) that makes it easy to see which drugs should not be given to a diabetic, or someone with a seizure disorder.
I was especially happy to see the AGS has suggested under "Agitation or Aggression" to "Always consider nonpharmacologic strategies first..." and they go on to list a number of things that will always made the person with dementia escalate in their agitation. The AGS also makes note of the Black Box warnings on these drugs and how they are being used "off label" in people with dementia, and they go so far as to include a "summary of studies regarding excess mortality associated with antipsychotic medication use in patients with dementia."
This is critical information for all healthcare providers to have access to, and now it's at your fingertips also! Thanks AGS!
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Cindy Keith, RN, BS,
Nationally Known Speaker Phone 814-235-0691 Fax 814-235-0695 Email: www.mindinmemorycare.com |
