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American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias®, Vol. 6, No. 6, 33-36 (1991)
DOI: 10.1177/153331759100600607

The use of Alprazolam for decreasing problem wandering in geriatric patients

Peggy Szwabo, RN, ACSW, C-CS

Geriatric Psychiatry Education Center and the Outpatient Services of Geriatric Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, St. Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri.

Velva Woodward, RN

Division of Geriatric Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, St. Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri.

George T. Grossberg, MD

Division of Geriatric Psychiatry at St. Louis University School of Medicine; St. Louis University Alzheimer's Association Brain Bank for the Study of Alzheimer's disease, St. Louis, Missouri.

Winston W. Shen, MD

Division of Geriatric Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, StLouis University School

The effects of wandering behavior have been well identified as a problem in providing care for the cognitively impaired. Wandering behavior takes its toll not only on the patient, but also upon the caregiver who is trying to manage and redirect this behavior. This wandering behavior may precipitate admission to a long term care facility where several residents with wandering behaviors present treatment, management, and staff concerns. The costs to the patient have been in the use of traditionalpharmacological options that have potential side effects and iatrogenicity. The costs to the caregiver are stress, frustration, and time constraints in providing care for others. Though the literature discusses wandering, there are varied definitions.

This study attempts to define more precisely which wandering behaviors are perceived as problematic, disruptive and intrusive. Secondly, the study investigates the use of Alprazolam as a less toxic, potentially more effective option for decreasing problem wandering.


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