Sleep Medications for Alzheimer's and Dementia Patients

I often have family caregivers request medications to help people living with Alzheimer's and related dementia to sleep.By Rita JablonskiAlzheimer's Reading RoomMedications have their place in Alzheimer's care, but only AFTER all of the suggestions listed below have been followed.It may seem exhausting to the caregiver to have to engage in all of these activities; but, the resultscould lessen exhaustion, frustration, and stress in a manner of days.Subscribe to the Alzheimer's Reading - This is a Free Service - Join NowRule Out Physical Problems FirstThere are many medical conditions that contribute to problems sleeping.Some of these medical conditions include:over-active thyroid,congestive heart failure,and restless leg syndrome.Check with your healthcare provider to see if there are medical problems that require attention.Learn More -What can you do? 6 Ways to Solve Problems with SleepReview Prescribed MedicationsLikewise, a lot of medications can interfere with falling asleep and staying asleep.These medications include:high blood pressure pills and, some antihistamines (allergy medications). Reviewing your loved ones ’ medications with a health professional is a good start. Medications that may interfere with sleep can be given earlier in the day or possibly swapped out with a similar medication that does not cause sleep problems.Some medications, like anti-depressants, do cause sleepiness.If they are prescribed for once-a-day, the family member usually gives t...
Source: Alzheimer's Reading Room, The - Category: Neurology Tags: alzheimers dementia connect alzheimers sleep alzheimers symptoms alzheimers treatment care of dementia patients dementia sleep not sleeping sleep medication Source Type: blogs