Expert: Paula Damgaard - 2/6/2008

Question
Hello,
My Mom was diagonsed with AD and I'm having a very difficult time understanding this since the only symptons she has is aggression, delusional, paranoia.  She recalls everything, is still able to eat, wash etc. She talks to herself day and night when she is home...when I come to visit, she asks the basic questions..like if I've eaten, how was work etc..but then she'll zone off and start talking about nonsense. She also has arguments out loud and hear voices. Because of the voices, she is not sleeping..she'll sleep for 2 hours then wake up and starts arguing with the voices she hears. This is nonstop, in between she'll eat and then it starts all over gain..Is this "normal" with AD? Her doctor gave her Haldol but it made her very weak so she stopped taking it. Are there other medications that will help her? She is normally a very happy person who loves to talk to everyone, but now because of her paranoia, she stares at everyone. I'm having a tough time understanding and not sure what I can do to help. I try to spend lots of time with her but she does not acknowledge I'm there..all she wants to do is argue with the voices. She is not a threat to herself but I'm afraid, if I'm not there, another symptom will occur. She is 71 and lives by herself..I recommended a nurse stop by 3 times a week to take her blood pressure etc..but she refuses.  She also feels she does not have a problem. It seems more of a "mental" problem then AD to me.  Please help me understand so I can help my Mom.  
Thanks.

Answer
Kelly, I am not sure how she was diagnosed, but if it was only by her primary physician I would get a second opinion.  From someone who specializes in geriatric medicine, either geriatric psychiatry or neurology who specializes in dementia.  It sounds like she may have what is called Lewy body dementia, but again this is only a guess without knowing anything else about her except what you have written.  And I have to say I am glad she stopped the haldol, I personally hate that drug.  There are other ones out there but without a better diagnosis, I would hesitate to order anything.

If you live by a University Hospital call them they will know of a specialist for you or call your local Alzheimer's Association and they can help you.  Good luck.  Paula