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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Treatment For High BP, Deteriorated Memory And Hallucinations

My 91 year old grandmother who has managed high blood pressure had a "mini stroke" last August. Since then her memory has deteriorated. It began with her not being able to remember names of people or things. It has gotten worse now because she is having hallucinations and is talking to people who are not there (they are all close relatives who have passed on (her mother, her sisters). Is this dementia? If so, what type and how can we help her to be less agitated?
Tue, 9 Jun 2015
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries

I can understand your concern. She is 91 and has developed the symptoms like memory problems especially in remembering the names, talking to self or muttering, hallucinatory behaviour etc. These symptoms are probably due to some cognitive impairment and need proper evaluation. She has developed mini stroked and has history of hypertension so most likely she has developed vascular dementia, but detailed evaluation is needed to make proper diagnosis. In demential of vascular origin medicines like Donepezil or Memantin are used to prevent the progression of memory loss. Her BP should be maintained in normal range. For hallucinatory behaviour some times low dose antipsychotics are needed. Low dose risperidone or olanzapine can help to reduce her symptoms. Visit a doctor for prescription of these drugs.

Thanks. I hope this helps you. Take care
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Suggest Treatment For High BP, Deteriorated Memory And Hallucinations

Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries I can understand your concern. She is 91 and has developed the symptoms like memory problems especially in remembering the names, talking to self or muttering, hallucinatory behaviour etc. These symptoms are probably due to some cognitive impairment and need proper evaluation. She has developed mini stroked and has history of hypertension so most likely she has developed vascular dementia, but detailed evaluation is needed to make proper diagnosis. In demential of vascular origin medicines like Donepezil or Memantin are used to prevent the progression of memory loss. Her BP should be maintained in normal range. For hallucinatory behaviour some times low dose antipsychotics are needed. Low dose risperidone or olanzapine can help to reduce her symptoms. Visit a doctor for prescription of these drugs. Thanks. I hope this helps you. Take care