Expert: Alanna Shaikh - 1/24/2008

Question
Hi Alanna -- Thank you for making yourself available to those of us in real need.  
My Dad is in mid-stage AD and my Mom is his primary caregiver.  Within the last 6 months Dad has been obsessing about virtually everything.  The obsessing has been annoying my Mom to the point that she is considering moving him into assisted living, which I feel is quite premature.  Unfortunately my Mother does not consistently give my Dad the meds his doctor suggests for among other reasons because she doesn't think that they work.  Currently Dad is prescribed Seroquel 2x a day and xanax as needed.  Since Mom will not consult with the doctor, I am trying to learn if there any anxiety/OCD meds available that are used to treat my father's condition?  I haven't been able to find any info in the net.  I was hoping if I could find some information, I could encourage her to ask the doctor to try some other than he is currently on.  Thanks again, Eric

Answer
Dear Eric,

From what I know of the research, your mom may be right about the Seroquel: http://alzheimers.about.com/od/treatmentoptions/a/agitation_drugs.htm The Xanax ought to be working for your father's anxiety. Maybe the "as needed" dosage instructions are discouraging your mother from giving your father the Xanax.

I really don't know what the best medications for anxiety are. Zoloft seems to be used sometimes for OCD and anxiety; maybe your mom could ask the doctor about that. I'm sorry not to be more helpful.

It sounds like your mother is overwhelmed. Being caregiver to a spouse with AD is extremely difficult. I suspect she could benefit from from caregiver training, and some support. Could you or someone else visit once a day for a couple of hours to give your mom a break? Also, maybe your mother's physician could recommend a social worker who could provide caregiver training and identify respite services.

Best,
Alanna