Like many in this forum, my husband has reached the combative/belligerent phase of LBD. But because my husband also has Afib and high blood pressure, using Seroquel is not a drug his neurologist is willing to prescribe. So the doctor prescribed Tegretol, which is a drug of preference by the psychiatric community. Tegretol is an anti-seizure medication that is being used for dementia patients because of it's ability to lesson their combative impulses.

He is on a very low dose right now and will get regular blood tests to help determine the therapeutic level that is best for his body and behavior.

Now, before everyone starts running to their loved ones' neurologists for prescriptions for Tegretol, please do your research, as this medication has some side effects and drug interactions that your loved ones might not be able to deal with. As it is, I, along with our Home Health Care agency, will be continually watching for any problems with this medication, which I hope won't happen.

Has it helped?

Hi Pat:

Not sure if it's working yet because he's just been on it a few days. He is being resistant this morning, though, and raised his hand at me. I backed out of his bedroom and closed the door. I don't want a repeat of last Saturday morning when he was hitting me and anything near him, including furniture and whatever was on it.

Well, this morning my husband swatted a spoon out of my hand, telling me to get that d*** spoon away from him. On the spoon, however, was a small ice chip, which he is allowed every hour.
So I picked up the ice chip and put it in his mouth.

But I have been having problems with this hand lately - arthritis and tendinitis - so that swat really hurt, because it also jerked my arm, which hasn't been feeling all that great lately either. Afterwards, I firmly told him that he is never to hit me again. I also asked me if he had ever hit his first wife and he said no. Then I asked him if he had ever hit his four kids, and he said he had spanked them. To which I said, "Well I'm not your child and you will never hit me again."

This behavior worries me a lot. Right now he's refusing to get out of bed; but if he ever decides to get out of bed, I hope he doesn't come after me. Sighhhhh. I do hate this disease.

It's an uneasy life to always be on guard and sleep with one eye open. Believe me, I know.

So sorry that you are going through this. I have just bought a wireless alarm mat for my Dad. When he gets out of bed as soon as he steps on it an alarm sounds in my room. Maybe you could get one so that you aren't taken by surprise. We sleep so much better at night knowing that we don't have to sleep with one ear open. My dad gets up so quietly that often the first noise we heard would be his head cracking against something as he fell.

Beth,

Of course we can't rely on our LOs to remember our instructions, let alone follow them, so I hope you will take precautions to keep yourself safe, at least until the new medication proves effective against combativeness. The suggestion of an alarm mat sounds like a good one. You might want to do further planning in case violence escalates, such as having a mobile phone at your fingertips at all times in case you need to call 9-1-1, or having a neighbor who would take you in at any hour. Please think of your own safety.

Julianne

beth,,,((()))

please make plans for your safety.. this is not your hubby, its lewy and he has no control.. so please be alert and ready... consider the ideas folks have suggested.. my counselor said always have a place you can go and lock it and be safe... im sure this has to be so hard on you.. please please stay safe...
cindi

I found this article very informative and helpful. http://www.uiowa.edu/~centrage/archive/pubs/Newest%20Versions%20-%20pdf%20format/Coping%20with%20Violence.pdf

That's a really good article, Pat. Thanks for posting it. I can't imagine anything harder than dealing with violence from one's LBD spouse, who as Cindi said is not really one's spouse anymore, it is LBD.

Julianne

ok, i have a bone to pick with this article.

"put the knife down?" "give me the knife?" seriously????

if your loved one picks up a knife you need to get outta there. NOW.

in fact, any violence merits escape and a call to 911.

don't fool around with this!

That's good advice, of course. I think one reason I was always reluctant to call 911 was that I was afraid the police might hurt my husband, not realizing that he was sick. Unfortunately, that does happen. The article does advise calling 911 in some circumstances. And I locked myself in the bathroom on more than one occasion.

there is always the possibility that the cops will hurt someone. better him than you.

i think that if i had a potentially violent spouse or parent at home, i might talk to the police before something happens, and have a "script" for when i call 911. let them know that he has dementia and that he needs to be handled carefully. but be aware that the cops will do whatever they need to, to protect themselves and you.

i wish cops got training in how to handle dementia patients and the mentally ill.

all domestic violence advocates will tell anyone living with an abuser(and your hubby is NOT an abuser-but he may act like one) that they must have a safety plan.

this means having a lockable room with a strong door, knowing the fastest and safest exits out of the house, having your keys and cell phone handy, having a neighbor you can run to.

your cell phone needs to be charged at all times and if you can afford a spare to be left hidden in your safe room, do that.

take care.

really good advice bjr...

i know it is difficult to look at your loved one and think they may hurt you.... but the lewy body might...having a script for time like that is great idea...

letting them know when you call, the situation is excellent.. the training for mentally ill and dementia patients, appears to be lacking. but i know here, they have special team for mentally ill, the pert team... you might want to check and see if they have a similar team in your area, that can be called.. they usually work with the police or sheriffs dept.... but are hard to get quickly as they are really busy!!

do not take a chance with your safety...

my hubby is the most gentle person you will find, but he has ptsd.. that rears its ugly head, when he hallucinates.. and he turns into a bear... hes never hit me.. but the angry looks are very scary.. and i can tell you.. its not him when that happens..

please plan, be prepared and stay safe!!
good luck..
cindi