PHOENIX: Beyond dealing with a loved one who may no longer recognize them, many caregivers of patients with Alzheimer’s also have to fight through bouts of agitation and aggression from the patient, which can be equally distressing for both parties, and in some cases could result in the patient being institutionalised.
Addressing these problems with non-pharmacological interventions is recommended as first-line therapy, however many Alzheimer’s dementia patients fail to respond. Now, preliminary research indicates that a combination pharmacological therapy may help curb the frequency and severity of these outbursts.