Caregiver Corner: Medication Safety and Alzheimer’s
Medication Safety and Alzheimer’s
A person with Alzheimer’s or other dementia may be prescribed multiple medications in addition to taking prescriptions for other conditions. As many medications are powerful and potentially dangerous if the wrong dosage is taken or skipped, special care needs to be taken. Use these safety tips to help avoid medication-related problems.
Working with the doctor and pharmacist
Individuals with Alzheimer’s may take medications to help ease the symptoms of the disease and to address depression, sleeplessness, anxiety or other behaviors that are disruptive.
- Coordinate with all care providers: A person with Alzheimer’s may be under the care of more than one doctor. Make sure all health care team members know about any prescription and over-the-counter medications, including herbal or vitamin supplements. Each time you go to an appointment, take a list of current medications and dosages.
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist to check for possible drug interactions: When a new medication is prescribed, ask whether it is okay to take it with other current medications. Also, remind the health care team of any allergies to medications or side effects that have occurred in the past.
- Get details: Find out as much as possible about every medication, including name, purpose, dosage, frequency and possible side effects. If troubling side effects occur, report them to the doctor.
- Take as directed: Do not ever change dosages without first consulting the doctor who prescribed the medication. If cost or side effects are an issue, tell the doctor. There may be other solutions. If swallowing is a problem, ask if the medication is available in another form: A liquid version may be available, or in some cases medications can be crushed and mixed with food. However, no pill or tablet should be crushed without first consulting your physician or pharmacist. Crushing some medications may cause them to be ineffective or unsafe.
- Maintain medication records: Keep a written record of all current medications, including the name, dosage and starting date. Consider signing up for an online personal health record “” where information can be accessed at any time “” or carry a medication list with you in your wallet or purse. This record will be invaluable in the event of a serious drug interaction or overdose.
Giving medication to someone with Alzheimer’s
In the early stages of Alzheimer’s, the person with dementia may need help remembering to take medications. As a caregiver, you may find it helpful to:
- Use a pill box organizer:Using a pill box or keeping a daily list or calendar can help ensure medication is taken as prescribed.
- Develop a routine for giving the medication: Ask the pharmacist if medications should be taken at a certain time of day or with our without food. Then create a daily ritual. This might involve taking medications with breakfast or right before bed.
As the disease progresses, you’ll need to provide a greater level of care. In addition to using a pill box organizer and keeping a daily routine, try these tips:
- Use simple language and clear instructions: For example, say “Here’s the pill for your high blood pressure. Put it in your mouth and drink some water.” If the person refuses to take the medication, stop and try again later.
- If swallowing is a problem, ask if the medication is available in another form: As stated above, the doctor may be able to prescribe a liquid version or be able to tell you if it is safe to crush medication and mix it with food.
- Make changes for safety: Be sure to place medications in a locked drawer or cabinet to avoid accidental overdose, and throw out medications that are no longer being used or that have expired.
- Have emergency numbers easily accessible: Keep the number of your local poison control center or emergency room handy. If you suspect a medication overdose, call poison control or 911 before taking any action.
For more caregiving and safety tips, sign up for our weekly enews. Also join ALZConnected, our online community and message boards, where caregivers exchange ideas and receive support and www.alz.org/alzconnected. Or, call our 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.
