Hello,
My dad, 86, was recently put on Aricept for mild to moderate dementia.
Is there any problem with this medicine?
Does anyone know of any natural, herbal therapy for dementia, as I worry he is taking so many medicines now (midodrine, amiadarone, synthroid, florinef).
He has been having a lot of trouble keeping his balance and getting up from a sitting position. He also has bouts of syncope, most often after he eats breakfast (but he sometimes has an episode at other times, too).
Anyway, if anyone can tell me about Aricept or any other supplement that may help him I would truly appreciate it.
My mom and I are taking care of dad and would like to do all we can to keep him around with a fairly good quality of life for as long as possible.

Dear Doris,

The bad news is that neither Aricept nor other Alzheimer drugs can cure the disease - at best they may slow down the rate of progression.

My Mom tried both Aricept and Namenda, but the gastro intestinal side effects made it impossible to continue.

The good news is that eating well, getting exercise, and being in a calm and loving environment helps the patient and the caregiver to deal better with this disease. One of the key concepts I had a hard time learning was not to contradict the person or try to 'correct' their misconceptions. Just go along with their fantasy. Always stay calm, especially if the patient is becoming agitated.

I stayed with Mom for 5 years, and for the past 2 years she has been in a very good nursing home. For awhile we had home health aides taking care of her at home. There are many ways to get the care your dad needs.

I am glad that you and your mother are sharing the care - this makes it 50% easier on each of you. Don't neglect your own life, health care, and recreation. It's a long hard road, but you are not alone on it. Good luck!

Martha

If your Dad is having trouble with balance AND is suffering from dementia have him tested for Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH). If caught early enough it IS reversible! My husband was misdiagnosed with "early Alzheimers" by the time the correct diagnosis was made the brain was irreparably damaged.
Get him to a neurologist who is familiar with NPH. They should do a CAT scan of his head and/or a spinal tap. If he has it they will put in a shunt and you will have your Dad back.
Do a search for Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus online. There is a board of people who have family members with NPH. They can be very helpful.

My Mom (Alzheimer) and Dad (vascular dementia) are both on Aricept and Namenda. It is hard to know if it is helping either one of them but they tolerate it well. Mom knew she was losing her abilities but hid it from the family for long time. During that time she took every remedy that promised her a brighter future. She spent lots of money and none of them seemed to helped while some had side effects. It is an ugly disease and at best you can minimally slow down the process but the end is the same.

I agree with Raffeer. A shuffle gait and balance problems along with the dementia is reason to have your father checked out for NHP.... and NHP is curable if caught early.

I understand your concern about the number of medications your Dad is taking. It is always good to question their necessity and research their side effects but as I have learned they can make a huge difference in the quality and quantity of life when used prudently. My best suggestion is to do just what you are doing. Question, research, learn, and keep being proactive in your father's care.

Just a little story as to why I say that. A number of years ago, before ALZ, Mom went to the hospital with symptoms of a heart attack. They did a heart cath on her and found nothing remarkable. The doctor handed her a glucometer, told her she was diabetic, and gave her glucopage. She started displaying bizzare behavior She had a cat scan which found nothing remarkable. I was baffled so I started researching. She was having every Prednisone side effect on the list.... including Prednisone Psychosis. I talked to her doctor and as soon after we got that medication out of her system she went back to normal... and was no longer diabetic.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your parents.

Love, Deb