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Are dementia meds really helping?

Posted by pattyinal @pattyinal, Jan 26, 2020

My husband has been using Exelon patches and taking Namenda for several years with an MCI diagnosis . When he asks , “What’s that for?” and I tell him it’s for his memory, he says, “Well it’s not working!” He seems to be right. His memory continues to decline. But, maybe it could be worse, so I’m afraid to stop it. Is there a point at which you can know the meds are no longer slowing the process? Is there a point when you can know MCI has progressed to Alzheimer’s?

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greff | @greff | Feb 20, 2020

I plan on attending a support group soon. I have a co-worker who travels about 90 minutes to take in a meeting for caregivers. We plan on going together one of these weeks. My wife's medicare doesn't kick in until December. I plan to check out home health services, along with any other help we can get when the time comes. I plan on being proactive and remodeling my bathroom, making it handicap accessable. I can do the work myself, which will save money. I also plan on moving laundry on the main floor, eliminating going in the basement, where the electrical panels/breaker boxes are. Besides, she is going to have balance issues down the road (she doesn't.nwed to take a header down the steps). Alot to do. This website is awesome as it makes me more aware of what nneds to be done, what to expect, and just knowing that we're not alone in our struggles. 😀

REPLY
rmftucker | @rmftucker | Feb 20, 2020

Yes, it is wise to plan ahead. You have enough to do when the time comes that she needs more care. My husband and I remodeled our home between 2005 & 2007 with just the plans that you mention. We completed remodeled the bathroom so we could install a stacked washer and dryer when the time came that we could to manage the basement steps. The kitchen was completely remodeled and other thing were done. Then the flood of June, 2008, destroyed our home and we had to move. We looked for home with no steps or stairs, and were fortunate enough to find one in our price range. I refused to purchase a home where we would have a mortgage at our age. My husband was 79 and I was 74. When he became so disabled that he needed a walker and then a wheel chair, we could come in through the attached garage into the laundry room without even a bump of an inch. Made all the difference

Best wishes to you and your wife, I know you will be fine with God's help.

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greff | @greff | Feb 20, 2020
In reply to @rmftucker "Yes, it is wise to plan ahead. You have enough to do when the time comes..." + (show)
@rmftucker

Yes, it is wise to plan ahead. You have enough to do when the time comes that she needs more care. My husband and I remodeled our home between 2005 & 2007 with just the plans that you mention. We completed remodeled the bathroom so we could install a stacked washer and dryer when the time came that we could to manage the basement steps. The kitchen was completely remodeled and other thing were done. Then the flood of June, 2008, destroyed our home and we had to move. We looked for home with no steps or stairs, and were fortunate enough to find one in our price range. I refused to purchase a home where we would have a mortgage at our age. My husband was 79 and I was 74. When he became so disabled that he needed a walker and then a wheel chair, we could come in through the attached garage into the laundry room without even a bump of an inch. Made all the difference

Best wishes to you and your wife, I know you will be fine with God's help.

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Thank you. God is awesome. He always makes a way.

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