rubbing head bald - Alzheimer's Disease & Dementia Message Board

corkyone · 12-06-2003, 11:24 PM

My 85 yr. old mom has alzheimer's and is on aricept, vioxx, and blood pressure meds but all and all is in good physical health. For the last couple years she's been rubbing and picking at her scalp and in the last month she has rubbed away a large section of hair from the top of her head. She doesn't seem nervous and has a very pleasant nature. It does no good to remind her not to rub her head because she forgets as quickly as I say it. She tells me it doesn't itch or hurt. Her doctor doesn't suggest anything other then antibotic cream for the sores. Any suggestions PLEASE.

camachinist · 12-07-2003, 10:03 AM

Since it is the same area, ask her what she sees. Maybe she is seeing something there and is trying to remove it.

If so, perhaps an attractive hat she likes can cover the area and eliminate the vision or distract her from it.

Beyond that, I have no idea what to do. She might have vitamin/nutrient deficiencies and is unaware. Or, perhaps, a drug interaction is creating the condition. It's hard to know without the full details. A competent doctor should be able to help.

What stage of AD is your mom?

Pat