Alzheimer's Disease: Treating Agitation in Alzheimer's Patients

There are a number of problems with the behaviors of people with Alzheimer's disease. These include depression, paranoia, wandering, hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there), restlessness, irritability, uncharacteristic cursing or threatening language and confusion. These problems can interfere with normal daily activity and sleep and may increase the risk of harm to the person with Alzheimer's and their caregiver.

Often, agitation is triggered by a change in environment, fear or fatigue. Other times, its triggered by an infection or another medical problem. Therefore it's important to receive a medical evaluation to look for treatable causes of agitation.

If a medical problem does not exist, then the agitation can be managed using medication and simple behavioral techniques to simplify the patient’s routine and distract them from the stress that caused the problem.

If a medical problem does not exist, then the agitation can be managed using medication and simple behavioral techniques to simplify the patients routine and distract them from the stress that caused the problem.

Medications often used to treat agitation include:

• Antipsychotics. Medicines used to treat paranoia and confusion are called neuroleptics or antipsychotics. Examples of these medicines are haloperidol (Haldol), Risperdal, Zyprexa, Clozaril, Geodon and Seroquel. Side effects can include drowsiness, rigidity, and unusual movements.
• Antidepressants. Antidepressants, such as Prozac, Paxil, Celexa, Zoloft, and Pamelor, are used to treat depression. Side effects of these medicines can include drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, and anxiety.
• Anti-anxiety medications. These medications, which include Xanax, Ativan, Serax, and BuSpar, often cause drowsiness.

Reviewed by the doctors at the The Cleveland Clinic Neuroscience Center.