Mom lives in a very small world. Has no interests, but also can't see, has problems hearing, and has very limited mobility. She suffers from incontinence, for which she is being treated both with meds and with a regular office procedure. But she spends so much time in bed and is also on diuretics for CHD, that the incontinence continues to be a major factor in her depression. She doesn't have any interest in people outside her two children. Paranoia comes and goes, but is directed against those closest to her, so she lives in absolute misery, when it occurs. Are there mental health professionals available for dementia patients? The one and only drug we could try was a wonder drug for her moods, but increased to the point of danger her hallucinations.
I’d go along with stopping the incontinence treatments and medication. If she is not already using Depends, she should be convinced to start (hint: do not refer to them as “adult diapers”. That’s insulting to the person who needs to wear them) That will make bathroom visits much easier. But her med intake needs to be surpervised if she’s prone to stopping taking them. My husband complained about his meds at first too (he’s on 9) but his doctor told him they were keeping him alive.
If shes willing, do see a different doctor. There must be a combination of meds that would help her without doing more harm than good.
It has to be difficult for your mom to be on meds for incontinence and also diuretics for CHF; seems like cross purposes. Have you tried any other meds for her besides the one? If it was an antidepressant there are hundreds of them out there. I’d ask to try a different one. If she is in a facility, to encourage her to join in some of the activities. My mom’s had vocal and instrumental concerts and daily discussions about current events.