heather
April 7th, 2009, 01:50 PM
Sometimes I feel like my PWP isn't really there-or like he or she simply isn't the same person anymore. What is happening and can either of us do anything about it?
There may be several explanations for the apparent remoteness or personality changes a caregiver may perceive in the PWP. First of all, clinical depression shows up in 50 percent of PWPs. This is not a reaction to diagnosis-it is a poorly understood clinical feature of the disease. Depression can cause a PWP to withdraw and seem not to be there, or not to be his or her old self. But the good news is that depression is treatable. If the PWP is exhibiting signs of depression, contact a qualified physician.
Most PWPs also experience fatigue, which can make them less interested than they used to be in socializing or engaging with friends and family. It is often the case, however, that once the PWP gets out of the house he or she will shed that listless manner and become engaged with others. So if you convince the PWP to take that first step and get out or have friends over, he or she may quickly reappear and re-engage.
Medications can also cause a range of side effects, from a sedated appearance to irritability. If a sudden change in mood or behavior follows a change in medications, consult a qualified physician about the possibility of side effects.
There may be several explanations for the apparent remoteness or personality changes a caregiver may perceive in the PWP. First of all, clinical depression shows up in 50 percent of PWPs. This is not a reaction to diagnosis-it is a poorly understood clinical feature of the disease. Depression can cause a PWP to withdraw and seem not to be there, or not to be his or her old self. But the good news is that depression is treatable. If the PWP is exhibiting signs of depression, contact a qualified physician.
Most PWPs also experience fatigue, which can make them less interested than they used to be in socializing or engaging with friends and family. It is often the case, however, that once the PWP gets out of the house he or she will shed that listless manner and become engaged with others. So if you convince the PWP to take that first step and get out or have friends over, he or she may quickly reappear and re-engage.
Medications can also cause a range of side effects, from a sedated appearance to irritability. If a sudden change in mood or behavior follows a change in medications, consult a qualified physician about the possibility of side effects.