Drugs which help for AD patients are available. Some folks can’t tolerate the meds, some can’t afford it and some (or their family) decide to “let nature takes it’s course”.
All prescribed drugs have a purpose and I have to say Aricept was a miracle drug for us. Within 2 weeks, Wayne had clarity and was morehis old self. His first Rx was written 01/04 and I still call it a miracle how he responded.
Not sure why it was so helpful for him, maybe because he rarely took anything, avoided even Aspirin. His biggest side effect was night mares for the first while – I don’t remember how long the nightmares lasted as it’s like a big, bad continuing dream anyway.
Aricept has very good AD general info in their site – I believe they also may help if one can’t afford the drug.
Initially, the drug was paid wholly by Wayne and I – it was expensive but one has to choose what is worth what in life. Happily, now our provincial government helps with the cost.
If you know someone rocking on the precipice of AD or has been diagnosed, please suggest they check with their specialist re: AD drugs. Our family MD did not prescribe it – his locum did during a routine visit – We are forever grateful to her.
10 Comments
That’s good news! I’m glad it’s working so well. God bless – I know you can. I know you can!
Hugs
My MIL was on Aricept ,she lives with us and is 89 years old, while it did give her the capability to articulate again it made her very aggressive, we took her off the drug and was more herself, but still a bit more articulating than before.
Hubby and I are retired and taking care of her is a full time job, being aggressive was something we could not take on top of everything else she puts us through.
That a horrible disease.Robs everyone involved.
Diane
My mom started Aricept last summer. She initially had a LOT of trouble with side effects – vivid dreams, flashes of light behind her eyes, leg cramping and spasms, etc. It seems that her body has adjusted over time and many of these side effects have lessened or disappeared. I didn’t notice any real improvement of symptoms after she started Aricept, but hopefully it will slow her decline. I haven’t really noticed that she has gotten worse over the last year, either.
I hear nothing but good reports on Aricept. My one question would be why people would decide to avoid the drug and “let nature take its course”?
Wendy, thanks! Maybe I truly can:)Actually, the specialist may suggest discontinuing Aricept soon for Wayne. I vote to continue for a long while yet – if there is any chance it may still be helping.
Dog Geek – bless your Mom’s heart and yours, too.
And Granny Annie, I guess some people feel it just drags things out – maybe they don’t realize it does not stop the disease, just helps in clarity,etc.
Diane, welcome. Bless your hearts for caring for your MIL.
I sing the praises of Aricept and Namenda on a daily basis. David takes 2 Aricept a day, rather than 1, that is usually prescribed. As we all know it isn’t a cure (sure wish it was), but at least the quality of our life is better than before he started taking it.
Praying and hoping for something even better, but for now I’m thankful for this.
Hugs and thoughts of you and Wayne.
Dolores
Aricept and Namenda helped my mother in law a great deal. She was able to maintain more clarity than most for quite awhile. When she finally started really losing it, the dr. suggested we stop it. She was going down hill fairly quickly and I don’t think she failed any more quickly off than she would have on.I would want him to stay on it as long as possible. Don’t know why they would not want him to take it. It doesn’t stop it as others have said..it does slow it down. It truly is a very ugly diseaase. Blessings on your decisions.
Thanks for the information Jean.
Mom was on Aricept for years. But we did not get her on in early enough. Her reg. Doc. did not prescribe it either and by the time he told us to take her to the eldercare doc. it was almost to late .But I know it slowed down the disease. I just wish we had slowed it down yrs sooner. The sooner you start taking it the better. You are right is it a great drug. And costly but worth it.