Category: Dementia

Why give Sertraline to Dementia patients

Why give Sertraline to Dementia patients

Antidepressants such as sertraline, citalopram, mirtazapine and trazodone are widely prescribed for people with dementia who develop changes in mood and behaviour. (Alzheimer’s UK Society). Sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) commonly used to treat depression, anxiety, and certain other mental health conditions. While it is not a primary treatment for dementia itself, it may be prescribed to dementia patients for specific reasons.

Suggested Reasons for Prescription

Depression and Anxiety: Many individuals with dementia also experience symptoms of depression and anxiety. Sertraline and other SSRIs can be used to manage these mood-related symptoms, helping to improve the overall well-being of the patient.

Behavioural Symptoms: Dementia can sometimes be associated with challenging behavioural symptoms such as agitation, aggression, or irritability. Sertraline, due to its calming effect, may be prescribed to help manage these behavioural issues.

Sleep Disturbances: Dementia patients often experience disruptions in their sleep patterns. Sertraline can have a positive impact on sleep and may be used to address insomnia or other sleep-related problems.

Treatment of Coexisting Conditions: Dementia is often accompanied by other mental health conditions, such as major depressive disorder or generalized anxiety disorder. In such cases, sertraline may be part of a comprehensive treatment plan to address multiple aspects of the patient’s mental health.

Healthcare Professional Supervision

It’s important to note that the use of sertraline in dementia patients should be carefully monitored, and its benefits should be weighed against potential risks. Older adults, including those with dementia, may be more sensitive to the side effects of medications, and there is a need for close supervision by healthcare professionals.

Before starting any medication, including sertraline, it’s crucial for the healthcare provider to conduct a thorough evaluation of the patient’s medical history, consider potential drug interactions, and assess the overall health of the individual. The decision to use sertraline or any other medication in dementia patients should be made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the specific symptoms and needs of the individual. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalised advice and guidance.

If you are seeking Alzheimers and Dementia Counselling please get in touch with Caroline Contact who is has years of experience working with carers and those affected by Alzheimer’s and Dementia.

This blog was collated from internet sources for information. Please talk to your GP for more information. 

Written by your local counsellor in Fleet, Caroline at Caroline Ellison Counselling – this is my experience and these are my opinions. Carpe Diem.

Navigating Dementia – Understanding the Complex Web of Guilt

What is Dementia?

Dementia, a collection of cognitive disorders characterised by memory loss, impaired reasoning and personality changes. It affects millions of individuals worldwide. According to the Alzheimer’s Society 2019 report, there are currently around 900,000 people with dementia in the UK. This is projected to rise to 1.6 million people by 2040.

Dementia is the loss of cognitive functioning — thinking, remembering, and reasoning — to such an extent that it interferes with a person’s daily life and activities. Some people with dementia cannot control their emotions, and their personalities may change.

Alongside the challenging symptoms of dementia, there is a lesser-discussed emotional aspect that caregivers, family members, and even individuals with dementia themselves may experience: guilt. This blog delves into the intricate relationship between dementia and feelings of guilt, aiming to shed light on this complex emotional struggle.

The Guilt Experience:

Guilt can manifest in various ways throughout the journey of dementia. Caregivers often grapple with feelings of guilt for not being able to provide enough care, for becoming frustrated with their loved one’s behaviour, or for seeking respite to take care of their own needs. Family members may feel guilty for not visiting frequently enough or for considering residential care. Individuals with dementia might experience guilt due to their reliance on others, their inability to remember important events, or any behavior changes they’re not consciously aware of.

Triggers for Guilt:

Understanding the triggers of guilt in the context of dementia is essential. Caregivers may feel guilty when faced with the seemingly never-ending demands of caregiving, as they struggle to balance their responsibilities. Witnessing a loved one’s memory decline or behavioural changes can evoke feelings of helplessness, which may translate into guilt. For individuals with dementia, the frustration of being unable to perform once routine tasks or the perception of burdening their loved ones can lead to guilt.

Coping Strategies:

Acknowledging and addressing guilt is crucial for the emotional well-being of all parties involved. Caregivers can benefit from seeking support groups or professional counselling to talk through their feelings and learn coping strategies. Open communication within families can help dissipate feelings of guilt, allowing for collective decision making that aligns with the best interests of the person with dementia. For individuals with dementia, finding ways to engage in meaningful activities or hobbies can help alleviate feelings of worthlessness or guilt.

The Role of Education:

Education plays a pivotal role in dispelling misplaced guilt and fostering a better understanding of dementia. Caregivers and family members who understand the nature of the disease can learn to differentiate between actions driven by dementia and intentional behaviours. This knowledge shift can contribute to reducing feelings of guilt associated with perceived wrong doings.

Seeking Professional Help:

In cases where feelings of guilt become overwhelming and impact mental health, seeking professional help is essential. Therapists, counsellors, or support groups with expertise in dementia related emotional challenges can provide strategies to cope with guilt and navigate the emotional rollercoaster that dementia often brings.

Support and Useful Links:

Dementia is a complex and emotionally taxing journey, for both individuals with the condition and their caregivers. Feelings of guilt can be an intrinsic part of this experience, arising from various sources and impacting everyone involved. By fostering understanding, open communication, and seeking appropriate support, individuals can better manage and mitigate these feelings of guilt, allowing them to provide the best care and support possible while prioritising their own well-being.

For links to local and national support please visit my Alzheimer’s and Dementia page. The links can be found at the bottom of the page.

Contact me to book an initial session and I will support you.

Written by your local counsellor in Fleet, Caroline at Caroline Ellison Counselling – this is my experience and these are my opinions. Carpe Diem.

Dementia Action Week

Dementia Action Week 16th – 22nd May 2022

My Mum’s journey with Dementia continues and each day that passes feels like a blessing and a worry all at the same time. Mum has stopped trying to eat and my Dad and her carers are daily finding new ways to get enough nutrition into her. From shakes made from protein rich beans, fruit and milk to trifle, they are trying it all. Continue reading “Dementia Action Week”

Christmas and Dementia

Christmas and Dementia

Together Christmas and Dementia do not make good bed fellows. Every Christmas Mum who is living with Dementia is less aware of what is going on. For Mum and Dad, Christmas Day is now very much just another day of the week. They are alone together, Mum unaware of what day it is and Dad filled with nostalgia and sadness Continue reading “Christmas and Dementia”

Mother’s Day without Mum

Mother’s Day without Mum!

My Mum has gone in mind but is still with us in body and soul! Today I called my Dad to say

“Happy Mother’s Day”

It left me feeling empty when I put the phone down and I came to my cabin to write this whilst it was still clear in my head and heavy in my heart. Continue reading “Mother’s Day without Mum”

Christmas 2020 without Family

Christmas

Christmas Home Rituals Isolation Sadness Together Missing Altogether Soon

Christmas feels so different this year and for so many it is hard! Being alone on Christmas day seems to have a weight greater than other days. Remembering a loved one we have lost at Christmas seems to hurt more than other days of the year. Christmas evokes a multitude of emotions from love, laughter and joy to sorrow, sadness and despair. Continue reading “Christmas 2020 without Family”

Who Cares for Carers

Who Cares for Carers?

I have so much admiration for the army of carers out there. The NHS staff, the Care Home staff, the mobile carers to name a few. There are also those who are at home looking after a loved one, caring for your husband, wife, mother, father, daughter, son, whom ever it may be, caring for a loved one is a tough job! Continue reading “Who Cares for Carers”

Lonely at Christmas 2020

Loneliness this Christmas

As l sit in my counselling cabin this morning with a cup of coffee, I reflect on the conversations had with family this week. With Christmas ahead of us and the hope of all being together temptingly close, my Mother-in-Law called to say Continue reading “Lonely at Christmas 2020”

Living with Grief

Living with Grief

My Mum is in late stages of Vascular Dementia and this weekend talking with family it dawned on me that this year will be the first year I will not spend Christmas with my Mum! It hit me without warning and a deep sadness engulfed all of me. I stopped what I was doing and simply froze to the spot and felt the grief throughout my heart and soul. Continue reading “Living with Grief”