Alzheimer`s Disease/sundowner problems

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Expert: - 11/29/2007


Question
my father in law[ aged 82]has suddenly deterirated in mental health and gets particularly agitated post 5 pm. could it be Alzeimers or is it severe depression? what can I do at home to relieve his symptoms amd make it better for him? thank you

Answer
If it is truly "suddenly deteriorated" then it is not Alzheimer's disease.  If he has already been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and is now suddenly getting agitated, then I would say have him checked for a urinary tract infection.  That is usually the culprit.  

Paula

Alzheimer`s Disease

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Paula Damgaard

Expertise

I can offer families and caregivers non-diagnostic answers to questions regarding the disease. I travel around the state giving courses on Alzheimer`s disease for nurses and CNA`s.

Experience


Past/Present clients
I have coordinated Alzheimer's Clinical drug trials since 1987. I have coordinated the Memory Disorders Clinic since it's inception 1994. I also have personnal experience from caring for my mother who died of AD 5/2000 and presently from caring for my mother in law who was diagnosed in March 2000.

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