Expert: Michalene Peticca - 7/13/2009

Question
My dad's 10 brothers had Alzheimers. Dad is the youngest. He is 80 yrs. and is completely incontinent. Starting to sleep very long hours. Makes no sense in speaking and has some difficulty walking. Is on Nemenda, Aricept, Risperdone....but seems better without meds. Any insights? Thank you very much.

Answer
Hello Carolyn,

Thank you for writing. As your aware, Alzheimer's is usually genetic.  So, it is most likely that your father will be or has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease based on his family's history.

I am always been a proponent of very few medications.  I'd rather see larger doses of vitamins than medications.

I would highly suggest questioning your father's physician about Risperadol.  That is a medication that a lot of elderly seem to be very sensitive too and many have very severe reactions including:  increased confusion, hallucinations, extreme fatigue, etc.   The physician may want to significantly reduce or eliminate it for your father.   

Additionally, you may want to have his urine checked for infection.  If he is incontinent, an infection causes extreme changes in overall functioning.

Start with those two suggestions and if you don't see a big change...let me know....

Best Regards,
Michalene Peticca, MA