Another Side to the Discussion of Anti-Psychotic Drugs - My Mother's Experience

            So if I had a time machine that could put me back in fall 2005 knowing about the Wolfson study, I would have advocated that Mom remain on the Risperdal, even knowing the risks. In my mind other factors took precedence over the possible issues with Risperdal.

As it turns out, I did learn that Mom had one aggressive interaction with one of the other residents while living in the Alzheimer’s locked unit. After the encounter (in which Mom tried to slap the woman), the staff tried to keep Mom and the other resident on opposite sides of the room. Still, there some close calls. One time I wheeled Mom past the other woman and watched as their eyes locked on each other, glaring menacingly. At the end of that particular visit, the nurse walked with me to the locked door to let me out. I worriedly asked her about Mom’s aggression toward the woman. The nurse seemed to think that the staff had it under control, and then added, “You know, we have a betting pool going on who will win between your mother and the other lady. My money’s on your mother.” I laughed, relieved that they were well aware of the women’s aggressive behavior and knowing that the nurse would watch out for Mom.