Question 1

dad had als @ 62, mom has dementia @ 67. i am worried about my genetics. i'm healthy and family history beyond parents is clear. am i being paranoid?

Accepted Answer

Probably: Genetic  factors of ALS and frontotemporal dementia are not clear but I do not think that you should worry.

Question 2

tremors in hands, weak legs, mem issues, cognitive decline, apathy, blurry vision, tach, headache, floaters...could it be parkinsons? dementia? als?

Accepted Answer

See a neurologist: Only detailed history and neurological exam. Can determine. It could simply be anxiety neurosis but other conditions need to be ruled out first.

Question 3

what medications are used to treat als?

Accepted Answer

Sad to say: There is really only one medication FDA approved for ALS and that has an impact on survival: riluzole.  All the other medications are used to address symptoms/manifestations of the disease itself.

Question 4

how effective are antipsychotic medications in treating mild dementia?

Accepted Answer

At times: Antipsychotics are not the first line treatment of dementia...Having said that...At times they are effective.

Question 5

is anti-retroviral medication often discontinued in elderly dementia patients? if so does disease progress fast or will they die of something else 1st

Accepted Answer

Antiretroviral tx: Most antivirals have side effects and they are expensive and pts need to take too many pills. They may interact with other medications. If the pt with dementia enters into a hospice program they may question the issue to continue or not with the retrovirals anti HIV meds. Discontinuation of anti HIV meds will provoke multiplication of the virus and advancement towards aids.

Question 6

41 yo healthy female. i've taken clonazapam for anxiety, .5 mg 1 to 2 times per day off and on for a year and a half. how many years would i have to be on this medication for it to put me at high risk for dementia?

Accepted Answer

: "Clonazapam" use for even two weeks continuously can lead to addiction, and longer term (period varies with the patient) is associated with onset of Alzheimer's disease .  Ask your prescribing physician about other anxiety medications.

Question 7

why are antipsychotic medications prescribed to elderly people with dementia?

Accepted Answer

For symptom relief: Anyone of any age who has dementia can suffer from fearfulness, paranoia, hallucinations, delusions and other psychotic symptoms. Antipsychotic medications can be the most effective way to minimize or eliminate these symptoms and the suffering they cause. Use of any medication for any illness should be preceded by a discussion of risks and benefits.

Question 8

my wife takes combination of medication.for dementia symptoms but i think she is over medicated?

Accepted Answer

Wife: Great opportunity to have family conference with her prescribing physician to discuss her treatment and your concerns.

Question 9

i'm supposed to take prometrium (micronized progesterone) on day 12-16 200mg twice a day, is this medication completely safe and does it cause dementia? i'm ttc but unsure

Accepted Answer

Prometrium (micronized progesterone): No medication is "completely safe."  Every action we take in life has risks and benefits. Dementia is not one of the concerns from Prometrium (micronized progesterone) so I am not sure where you got that. It is an extremely  commonly used medication that is very standard. You will have to decide if your desire to conceive outweighs  your fear of medication

Question 10

on amitriptilyine for headaches for months developed involuntary jaw snapping shut making teeth clash and biting mouth came off medication but still happening ? should i be concerned ? history of twitching making me worry its als or parkinsons ?

Accepted Answer

: How long have you been off the medicine? This medicine takes a while to completely get out of your system so, if it has only been a few days, it may take longer for this effect to resolve, if it is from the medicine. If it continues, see a neurologist to determine what the etiology is and what the treatment would be. Good luck!

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Doctor answers about:

Als dementia medication

A member asked:

Dad had als @ 62, mom has dementia @ 67. i am worried about my genetics. i'm healthy and family history beyond parents is clear. am i being paranoid?

A member asked:

Tremors in hands, weak legs, mem issues, cognitive decline, apathy, blurry vision, tach, headache, floaters...could it be parkinsons? dementia? als?

A member asked:

What medications are used to treat als?

A member asked:

How effective are antipsychotic medications in treating mild dementia?

A member asked:

Is anti-retroviral medication often discontinued in elderly dementia patients? if so does disease progress fast or will they die of something else 1st

A member asked:

41 yo healthy female. i've taken clonazapam for anxiety, .5 mg 1 to 2 times per day off and on for a year and a half. how many years would i have to be on this medication for it to put me at high risk for dementia?

A member asked:

Why are antipsychotic medications prescribed to elderly people with dementia?

A member asked:

My wife takes combination of medication.for dementia symptoms but i think she is over medicated?

A member asked:

I'm supposed to take prometrium (micronized progesterone) on day 12-16 200mg twice a day, is this medication completely safe and does it cause dementia? i'm ttc but unsure

A member asked:

On amitriptilyine for headaches for months developed involuntary jaw snapping shut making teeth clash and biting mouth came off medication but still happening ? should i be concerned ? history of twitching making me worry its als or parkinsons ?

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