Crying and vascular dementia

[klr31]

Hello,

My dad is in a nursing home with vascular dementia, type 1 diabetes, heart problems and arthritis. He was taken off Citalopram when in hospitalin June /July and began having episodes of crying. He was put back on 10mg Citalopram just over two weeks ago but I have been in to see him for the past two days and he keeps crying. It is upsetting to see and I wonder if anyone has any advice.

He does have an elderly female 'friend' who, I believe, he would like to move nearer to, but I worry about the upheaval to his health both mentally and physically.

I could also move him closer to me but again it's whether it would be harmful to him. I only see him every few weeks as live over 100 miles away from where he is.

Karen

[Hidden]

Citalopram is an anti-depressant and I think you will find it takes about a month or so for them to have any effect so I assume you will have to wait a couple of weeks more to see how he is. Why not talk to his doctor about whether it would be advisable to move him or whether it is better for his health to leave him where he is.

The crying does not necessarily mean he is unhappy, it is just a symptom of his dementia.

Good luck with making the best decision for all of you.

[MAS_Nurse]

Hello klr31,

Welcome to this community. It must be very difficult for you living so far away, and worrying about your dad's situation. I concur with the advice offered by 'exhaustedwife', that it would be a good idea to have a chat with your dad's GP about his symptoms and situation, and whether moving would be the appropriate option for him. Yes Citalopram is an anti-depressant and it will take 4-6 weeks to start working. If necessary the doctor may increase the dose to a therapeutic level.

I'm copying in a link to the UK Alzeihmer's Society site on symptoms, including anxiety and depression, and lots of information on all aspects of dementia.

They have a National Dementia helpline tel: [phone]

alzheimers.org.uk/info/2006...

It will be important to really think through with professional help, the option of relocating him, including changing home, new GP, social services transfer as well as you say the physical and mental implications to your dad.

Keep in touch. Hope this helps a little.

[klr31 in reply to MAS_Nurse]

I know it would be a huge upheaval for him, especially with all his health conditions and getting the appropriate medical bodies involved. He is self funding and I am sorting his finances as well as health so I got very little help round where he is now. I am thinking of seeing if social services are any more helpful in Wales where I live. Dad says at times that he wants to live near this 'friend' but I don't know how that would work as it's nowhere near me.

Thank you for your advice. It's getting too much now that he is getting so upset. His health declined over a year ago and it's been such a strain.

Karen

[sassy59]

Hi Karen, l do sympathise as my mother in law has vascular dementia and cries quite a lot. I think sometimes it’s the dementia but it is upsetting.

You have had done good advice so l hope that helps. Take care xxxxx