Doctors May Fail to Recognize Anxiety in Alzheimer's Sufferers
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Physicians who treat people with Alzheimer's disease often fail to recognize symptoms of anxiety, researchers report. In many cases, anxiety may be mistaken for other psychological or medical problems, and the confusion may lead to inappropriate treatment. “Anxiety in Alzheimer's disease right now is not being picked up, and current assessment tools may be mistaking anxiety for agitation,” said Dr. Maria S. Almeida of the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. She presented her findings at the 26th Annual Conference of the Anxiety Disorders Association of America.Agitation is common in people with Alzheimer's and may share many of the symptoms of anxiety. But agitation is treated with psychosis-fighting medicines and other drugs that may not be appropriate for managing anxiety.Anxiety is a natural reaction to stress that everyone experiences from time to time. Anxiety can be a beneficial human response for recognizing danger, but an excessive and persistent state of anxiety can interfere with daily functioning and compound emotional distress. Symptoms are varied and can include:• Intense worry and feelings of dread.• Poor concentration and restlessness.• Irritability and poor sleep.• Muscle tension and trembling.• Palpitations or chest pains. • Profuse sweating and hot flashes.Alzheimer's is a distressing illness, and it is not surprising that anxiety would arise in someone with the disease. As memory and thinking skills fade, someone with Alzheimer's disease can be easily challenged by everyday situations or demands. Changes in the patient's surroundings, lack of social contact with others, and lack of structure can all compound anxiety in the person with Alzheimer's disease.Fortunately, anxiety is among the most treatable of all mental disturbances. Antidepressant drugs, such as Paxil, Prozac, and Celexa, may be very effective in alleviating anxieity. Tranquilizers, such as Ativan and amytriptyline, can also reduce anxiety, but in an Alzheimer's patient such drugs often increase confusion, and are usually avoided. Behavioral counseling might also help. If someone with Alzheimer's disease is experiencing distress and symptoms of anxiety, the best course would be to check with your doctor. There may be effective medicines or therapy tools to help calm the nerves and ease distress. By alzinfo.org, The Alzheimer's Information Site. Reviewed by William J. Netzer, Ph.D., Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation at The Rockefeller University.