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

Suggest Treatment For Dementia In An Elderly Person

Posted on Sat, 28 Jan 2017

Question: In an elderly patient that has been receiving 3 tablets nightly. Can he stop these suddenly with no side effects or does he need to slowly get off them. He has developed RLS and tosses in bed , wrapping himself up in the blankets. His dementia is at least 50% worse. He is miserable. I help to care for him but the daughter is the POA. I would like to give her some information on this. He is up all night now and out of bed every 5 to 10 minutes. Last night he talked about bugs that only come out in the dark which is what made me think of RLS.

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (11 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please provide the details about medicine he is taking.

Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking from HCM

Which medicine is he taking and at what dose?

What are the main symptoms?

If he has been taking any psychoactive medicine then that should never be stopped abruptly. Gradual tapering over 4 weeks is advised to prevent relapse of symptoms and any withdrawal symptoms.

Thanks. Please provide details in follow up question.

Take care

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

Follow up: Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (11 minutes later)

He was taking 3 mg of melanin on a nightly basis. This was stopped abruptly last week. He had a horrible night and complained of bugs , wrapped himself up in the bed covers and was up every 5 to 10 min. His dementia was bad

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (22 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Abrupt stoppage might resulted in withdrawal symptoms.

Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for providing details

The drug should have not been stopped abruptly. Sudden stoppage resulted in withdrawal symptoms and this is probable reason of worsening of RLS symptoms and poor sleep. He is 94 and insomnia resulted in worsening of cognitive symptoms and dementia. In such situation I'd advise you that he should be shown to a doctor and should be evaluated properly. His serum electrolytes should be measured in order to rule out any electrolyte disturbance and also delirium.

Thanks.

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

Follow up: Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (14 minutes later)

Thank you very much. I suspected that was what was happening but I needed to have a for-sure answer or at least a pretty good confirmation of my thoughts before talking to his daughter. His son is not responsive because he knows nothing of medication.

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (1 minute later)

Brief Answer:
Thanks and Take care

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for the appreciation.

Please don't hesitate to ask again for more information.

Take care

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