People with Alzheimer’s aren’t always able to accurately express how they feel physically—even when asked. Monitoring vital signs every day helps caregivers spot health changes before they become emergencies.
What Caregivers Can Do
1. Start With “Normal”
1. Start With “Normal”Ask the doctor what is “normal” for your loved one. For example, some people “run hot” and their normal body temperature is above 98.6º. Some people are taking high blood pressure medication when they are diagnosed with Alzheimer's. There are standard vital signs ranges, but your loved one’s normal might be above or below that. When you know what “normal” is for your loved one, it's easy to see if they are high or low on a reading. Daily home monitoring of vital signs allows for quick identification of any unusual readings. If your loved one's vital signs aren't normal for them, contact the doctor.
2. Make A Routine
2. Make A RoutineRegular routines instill a feeling of reassurance and peace in those living with Alzheimer’s. Routines reduce stress and provide a sense of familiarity, because they reduce aggression, restlessness and agitation. Create a routine for taking vitals each morning. Take them at the same time each day. Take them in the same place — for example, at the kitchen table, or in the living room.
At first, starting routines in early stage Alzheimer's might seem like overkill. But routines established in the early stages can quickly become familiar and automatic. Waiting to begin new routines can be frightening to someone with Alzheimer's in the later stages of the disease. This can increase the chances of your loved one resisting change, and make taking vitals a struggle.
3. Track The Essentials
3. Track The EssentialsChanges in vital signs may indicate early infections or illnesses, or they could be side effects of Alzheimer's medications. Mimic the beginning of every doctor’s visit by tracking temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate, and body weight. Ask your doctor what to do if any of your loved one’s vital signs are out of the “normal” range for them.
4. Notice Patterns
4. Notice PatternsAre changes in vital signs linked to medication changes, stages of Alzheimer’s, or significant health events like starting a new medication, surgery, or a rehab stay? Share any changes with your loved one's doctor between and during visits.
Need to brush up on taking vitals? Click below:
Alzheimer’s Medication Side Effects On Vital Signs
Below are the frequently prescribed medications for Alzheimer's, including their possible side effects that can affect vital signs.
| Brand Names | Drug Name | Side Effects | Approved |
For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aricept,Adlarity | Donepezil | Common side effects include: low blood pressure, unusual tiredness or weakness.
Less common side effects include: Rare side effects include: |
1996 |
Mild, Moderate, Severe AD |
| Exelon | Rivastigmine | Common side effects include: loss of strength.
Less common side effects include: |
1997 | Mild – Moderate AD |
| Razadyne | Galantamine | Less common side effects include: lack or loss of strength, unusual drowsiness, dullness, tiredness, weakness, or feeling of sluggishness and weight loss.
Rare side effects include: |
2001 | Mild – Moderate AD |
| Namenda | Memantine | Less common side effects include: change in walking and balance, coughing, clumsiness or unsteadiness, difficulty with moving, hyperventilation, difficulty with breathing, shortness of breath, sleepiness or unusual drowsiness, tightness in the chest, tiredness, unusual tiredness or weakness and wheezing. |
2003 | Moderate – Severe AD |
| Kisunla | Donanemab |
|
2023 | Mild AD |
| Leqembi | Lecanemab |
Side effects can indirectly impact vital signs through symptoms like confusion or seizures, which may alter heart rate or blood pressure. |
2023 | MCI, Mild AD |
If your loved one is taking Alzheimer's medications, ask your doctor about the side effects.
Managing a loved one's health at home is a big job. Use this free download to track your loved one's vitals at home and get one step ahead of Alzheimer's.
