88 old sister has vascular dementia. she keeps telling me," i don't want to cry but i can't stop". her doctor prescribed xanax. no difference using it. can you suggest something that would calm her, less anxiety. something other than xanax?

Xanax would not be my first choice for this condition. I'd suggest lo dose anti-depressants such as Prozac or Effexor. Start with a small dose and gradually increase until the anxiety is improved/resolved. You could also consider consulting a gerontologist.

Would advise caution regarding symptomatic medication as anti-cholinergic side effects will make dementia far worse, and Xanax is not a good choice. Have a neurologist get involved, and consider rivastigmine patch or donepezil, as basic medication plus a mood stabilizer. A gerontologist is also a good option.