The Importance of Medication Compliance in Dementia Patients

One of the biggest threats to the independence of an elderly person is the lack of medication compliance.  Often it is due to confusion, changes in their routine which throws their daily ritual, or just the lack of a little bit of supervision which can bring non-compliance. 

Recently a visit to a friend in her early 70's reminded me of of how important it is to be fully compliant with medications, particularly for dementia patients.  Betty, retired from both 30 yrs of teaching and another 20 years in town government often gives off the impression she's a scatterbrained idiot.  In reality she hold a PhD.  Frustrations from simple daily tasks, based from her dementia make her life miserable at times, which could be nearly eliminated by her just taking her meds routinely as prescfribed.

If you know someone with dementia, or suspect alzheimers disease, ask who is helping sort and organize their meds...and make a suggestion on who can assist them.  Notice I used the word "assist" them, not "help".  In my work I have found the word "help" is a huge negative to the elderly.  They don't want any "Help"....but often they can be receptive to having someone "assist" them.   Amazing how palatable help can be when re-labeled as a non-threatening term. 

Having a friend or relative, or visiting nurse come in weekly or bi-weekly to organize meds can be an option.  There are also medication dispensers that are automated and, those can be monitored to assure compliance.  Med dispensers today can be programed for up to two people, and multiple doses per day and can be there when family members cannot.  When used properly they can give the family of the patient peace of mind.  With proper compliance, dementia patients can live a quality life longer and remain in their home.