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This page/column contains information which may be of interest to consumers. The information is based on articles which appear in Australian Prescriber. As Australian Prescriber is written for health professionals, you should discuss any issues raised by this page/column with your doctor or pharmacist. They will be able to give a more detailed answer to your questions by reading the main article.

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Australian Prescriber Vol. 28 No. 3 2005

Dementia

Dementia is a growing problem in Australia. Some patients become emotionally disturbed and may seem agitated or aggressive. This can be distressing for the patients' relatives.

If a patient with dementia becomes disturbed they may have another condition causing the problem. For example, an infection can cause increased confusion. Sometimes other medicines they take can be the cause.

Disturbed patients do not always need medication. Sometimes adjusting something in their surroundings can calm them.

There are medicines to help disturbed patients with dementia, but they do not always work well and can have side effects. Usually, these medicines are only used for a few months. Once the patient settles down the dose of medicines can be gradually reduced then stopped.