1. < Caregivers: Dementia

Start Aricept??

Posted by maryvc @maryvc, Dec 8 7:38am

We had our visit with my husbands gerontologist who follows his MCI.
Although my husband is functioning well with 24/7 guidance, his doctor thought it might be time to try Aricept.
After reading the side effects I’m afraid to rock the boat. He is sleeping well and staying social, exercising, eating and taking supplements-no meds. But he is progressing- more confused and spatial recognition issues. The doctor also said Alzheimer’s for the first time.
I would like to know how Aricept has made a difference, making it worth the risk.

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4goakley Kathy | @4goakley | Dec 10 2:03pm

There are pros and cons to Aricept and so it is a highly personal decision.
Our geriatric specialist offered it but did not push it saying that the studies had not been done in patients over 80 and there were side effects. My husband is 84 .
I spoke with his adult children and with our family doctor and declined the drug.
His memory continues to gradually decrease so we don’t know if it would have made a difference.

REPLY
moea | @moea | Dec 10 2:16pm
In reply to @cnutt "My husband is on it. No side effects noticed. Also on memantine. Memory continues to decline...." + (show)
@cnutt

My husband is on it. No side effects noticed. Also on memantine. Memory continues to decline. Waiting to be approved for infusion treatment

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My husband is also on Aricept. He is taking 10mg. He is having some vivid, scary nightmares. I am hoping this will subside soon as he just started the drug.
He just qualified for the infusion drugs. It is a big commitment, but he seems to be onboard with trying the treatment. Hang in there!

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1 reply
cnutt | @cnutt | Dec 10 2:34pm
In reply to @moea "My husband is also on Aricept. He is taking 10mg. He is having some vivid, scary..." + (show)
@moea

My husband is also on Aricept. He is taking 10mg. He is having some vivid, scary nightmares. I am hoping this will subside soon as he just started the drug.
He just qualified for the infusion drugs. It is a big commitment, but he seems to be onboard with trying the treatment. Hang in there!

Jump to this post

Thank you. Still under review. They had more questions, does he drive, handle finances (no) hygiene chores )yes) don’t know what they’re looking for.

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1 reply
maryvc | @maryvc | Dec 10 7:40pm
In reply to @cnutt "Thank you. Still under review. They had more questions, does he drive, handle finances (no) hygiene..." + (show)
@cnutt

Thank you. Still under review. They had more questions, does he drive, handle finances (no) hygiene chores )yes) don’t know what they’re looking for.

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Same here. I’ve decided to wait until after the holidays to try Aricept. As will give it a few weeks to see if it is more helpful than the risk. Thank you all for your input.

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crankyyankee | @crankyyankee | Dec 11 11:43am

Here is a scientific study comparing the two drugs you all may find useful.. My husband uses the rivastigmine patch and has never had an adverse reaction.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16083542/

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elm123 | @elm123 | 2 days ago
In reply to @maryvc "Thank you so much. My husband is 77. I think I’m in a bit of denial..." + (show)
@maryvc

Thank you so much. My husband is 77. I think I’m in a bit of denial and need to at least try the drug. S is definitely slipping. I want him to have several more years before we need Memory Care or more help. We are moving in 2026 to a new independent living apt. With the idea that eventually he may need memory care but with me on the property. I hope we can enjoy more time “together.”

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I feel the same way - I am usually in denial until my husband (75) does something that I can’t explain away ad I know he has a problem. It’s very hard to deal with!

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