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Is Memantine overkill" for early stage memory issues?

Posted by xede @xede, Jun 13 6:54pm

I am 70 years old but have had short term memory issues all my life - known as the absent minded professor since childhood. This has recently shown a marked deterioration. MRI shows non specific white matter disease which my Neurologist describes as age related. On a subsequent visit I raised the matter again due to concern with my increasingly haphazard life. She prescribed Memantine which seems to be indicated for medium to advanced Alzheimers sufferers. Anyone on this medication that could shed some light?

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oh2b30 | @oh2b30 | Jun 14 4:38pm

My husband takes it. His diagnosis is Vascular Dementia. Neurologist suggested it and he really likes it. Seems to have had pleasing effects almost immediately.

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2 replies
pb50 | @pb50 | Jun 16 9:05am
In reply to @oh2b30 "My husband takes it. His diagnosis is Vascular Dementia. Neurologist suggested it and he really likes..." + (show)
@oh2b30

My husband takes it. His diagnosis is Vascular Dementia. Neurologist suggested it and he really likes it. Seems to have had pleasing effects almost immediately.

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That sounds promising. Can you describe what he feels Positive about?

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oh2b30 | @oh2b30 | Jun 16 12:39pm
In reply to @oh2b30 "My husband takes it. His diagnosis is Vascular Dementia. Neurologist suggested it and he really likes..." + (show)
@oh2b30

My husband takes it. His diagnosis is Vascular Dementia. Neurologist suggested it and he really likes it. Seems to have had pleasing effects almost immediately.

Jump to this post

He says it feels like he is able to “think faster”.

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janebaxter | @janebaxter | Jun 17 9:59am

I started taking it a few years ago after having encephalitis resulting in MCI. I still take 100 mg every morning and believe it helps. What are your concerns about it? Side effects?

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1 reply
xede | @xede | Jun 18 2:03am
In reply to @janebaxter "I started taking it a few years ago after having encephalitis resulting in MCI. I still..." + (show)
@janebaxter

I started taking it a few years ago after having encephalitis resulting in MCI. I still take 100 mg every morning and believe it helps. What are your concerns about it? Side effects?

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I have mild MCI, my concern is that Memantine is approved by the FDA to treat moderate to severe cognitive symptoms of Alzheimer's. I appreciate your input, I see a long list of possible side effects but that is not a concern yet. Would be interested to know if you have experienced any side effects.
Thanks

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1 reply
janebaxter | @janebaxter | Jun 18 5:07am
In reply to @xede "I have mild MCI, my concern is that Memantine is approved by the FDA to treat..." + (show)
@xede

I have mild MCI, my concern is that Memantine is approved by the FDA to treat moderate to severe cognitive symptoms of Alzheimer's. I appreciate your input, I see a long list of possible side effects but that is not a concern yet. Would be interested to know if you have experienced any side effects.
Thanks

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The most common side effects of Memantine are feeling sleepy or dizzy, headaches, constipation and shortness of breath. I had headaches prior to taking it so it’s hard to know. I can still have stretches of getting headaches that then subside. Too many variables! I don’t have the other side effects such as weight gain etc.

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xede | @xede | Jun 18 8:19am

That is helpful, thank you.

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