When my husband started experiencing Sundowner episodes, his doctor recommended Zoloft, 10mg, once a day. That was last fall & it was immediately effective…night & day difference. It has really helped with his moods, although, now, one year later & I’m going to approach his doctor with the question of increasing his dosage, as the Sundowner episodes are becoming more frequent. He doesn’t really get depressed, but he becomes slightly agitated with things he no longer understands or can operate, such as the TV remote, the microwave, his razor, etc…😐. We’re going to start “visits” at the memory care facility this month, to help with “changing the scenery” & keep him engaged; the facility has a lot of activities all day long. I’m hoping these visits will help him feel more comfortable being there, when I have to leave him there, to give me a break, as well as stimulate his brain & engage with others…☺️!

Our neurologist put my mother on an antidepressant in our first appointment with him. He was actually the second neurologist we wnet to as the first was incredibly unsympathetic and rude during the appointment when we got the diagnosis. But the second neurologist was kind and caring and cried with my Mom, even though it was the first time we met him. He said that depression could exacerbate memory loss and during those first few years after the diagnosis, when our loved ones can be so aware of what is happening to them, we needed to spend time having fun, making memories and being with people we love. I think it was the right call and we haven’t taken her off it - I don’t know if it has contributed to this, but my Mom has never had some of the more disturbing behaviors, like wandering or sundowning. I’m glad it seems to be working for your husband! Sending hugs and support!❤️

I started giving Tom a Benadril (sp) to help with his sinus problem which of course also helps him sleep. I am fortunate in that years ago he told me, "I love you dearly, but I sleep better by myself." It works for us but I also sleep better by myself. Whatever works!

That’s great you have a geriatric psychiatrist. His neurologist PA is MIA & it’s difficult for me to trust our PCP who mostly orders bloodwork, lab tests like MRI, sonograms, sleep tests & prescriptions. Maybe I could find him someone else more willing to help us on this journey? {{{hugs}}}

My husband has been on Escitalopram 20 mg for about a year. He didn't have agitation or bursts of anger, he had major meltdowns where he would really cry for sometimes an hour. It was heartbreaking to watch and nothing I said or did would make him stop. He was on 10 mg but they upped it to 20mg. He hardly ever has meltdowns now and I think he can also think more clearly.