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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Taken Risperdon, Clonazepam For Dementia And Epilepsy. Skin Tears, Heart Attack, Coma. How Long Does This Last?

father had dementia (18 months) had accident (hit by vehicle but wanted to go home) ended up in hospital, had aggressive outbursts when family weren't around (he also has epilspsey) was given risperdone, then higher then normal dose of clonzapam and halpidol then went on to olanzapine for one year with really no effect to the aggression 10mg a day though I think it went up to 20mg after 6 month. (other drugs were trialled and used as well but not sure what they were) After the accident they diagnosed him with severe dementia,(was 23/30 before after acc 8/30) his cognitive function decline severely after the drugs,(zombie and lunatic at times) he had a lot of skin tears and infections, lost function of his bowels completely, and memory after two months, had mild heart attack, went into coma for 10 days, was physically restraint for 4 months after coma, 12+ more falls, broken hip, he hasn't been on any meds for 1 year but is still very healthy and is walking is in his fourth year of severe dementia how long does this last
posted on Sat, 6 Jul 2013
Twitter Tue, 9 Jul 2013 Answered on
Twitter Wed, 10 Jul 2013 Last reviewed on
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Dementia is generally a chronic and deteriorating condition.
The behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) are severe in early and middle stages of the disease.
As you have mentioned, your father had more aggression and required a trial of two to three medications initially. Later on the need for medications has reduced. In fact, if he is not having any aggression now, it may be advisable to avoid these medications altogether. These medications do have their own side-effects in the elderly and are best avoided.
His current condition seems to be advanced stages of dementia (MMSE 8/30) where he has suffered multiple medical complications.
You can give him adequate nursing care and ensure adequate hygiene to prevent any infections or diseases. It will help him have a good quality of life despite the illness.
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Taken Risperdon, Clonazepam For Dementia And Epilepsy. Skin Tears, Heart Attack, Coma. How Long Does This Last?

Dementia is generally a chronic and deteriorating condition. The behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) are severe in early and middle stages of the disease. As you have mentioned, your father had more aggression and required a trial of two to three medications initially. Later on the need for medications has reduced. In fact, if he is not having any aggression now, it may be advisable to avoid these medications altogether. These medications do have their own side-effects in the elderly and are best avoided. His current condition seems to be advanced stages of dementia (MMSE 8/30) where he has suffered multiple medical complications. You can give him adequate nursing care and ensure adequate hygiene to prevent any infections or diseases. It will help him have a good quality of life despite the illness.