My mum was diagnosed with vasular dementia 8 years ago and lately she has had really challenging behaviour. She wouldn't let us touch her, she wouldn't co-operate at all with toileting and eating, and acted very paranoid. She became aggressive and nasty which she usually isn't. As a result we contacted a psychogeriatrician and started to try to treat her behaviour with low doses of anti-psychotic drugs; olanzapine. After 4 days on olzanapine she had 2 seizures on the same day. We decided the seizures were most likely an adverse reaction to olanzapine. 24 hours after the seizures, mum started to smile again and laugh. She cuddled and kissed us all and even recognised us again. She was back to co-operating again. We had our mum back! The experts have said that after seizures, the neuro-transmitters open up and dump loads of good chemicals in the brain so mum is on a high and it will wear off. It is now 7 days after the seizures and she is still happy and laughing. So I feel this has uncovered something. I don't expect to improve mum's dementia but could this be the key to improving her mood? Has anyone else experienced this positive effect of seizures? Surely there are clues here for treatment of behaviours for dementia patients.

Yes. Not exactly as in your case. Improved abilities. I've never heard of an explanation for it before.

Dear CathW,

Hello and Welcome to the AD Message Boards. I'm so sorry to hear about you Mom but I am gald you've found us.

I don't have any experience with seizures but whatever happened with your Mom sounds like a good outcome! Glad to hear about that!

Are you ok? Do you attend an AD support group? This may help you.

Good Luck.

Please come back and let us know hoe you all are doing!

There has been some discussion on the positive effects of electroconvulsive therapy which induces seizures.

I'm glad your mom is doing better and hope it lasts for as long as possible.