Can AD meds be mixed with other meds?

[CarylAnna]

Hey everyone. thanks to everyone who read my last post. iwas just venting then but now i have a real question. I heard that there is a med out there that really helps slow the progression of alzheimers but that it cannot be taken in conjunction with any other medications such as blood pressure medicine etc. My grandmother is on several different prescriptions and was told shed have to come off all of them before she could be put on the AD med. Is this true? And if so, what does she do about her other conditions in the meantime? They cant just go untreated...can they?

[Franklin K. Casel]

Dear Caryl:
Your grandmother's doctors advise should be followed. It is my feeling that while the medicines for Alzheimer's may slow the progress for a time that their action is not sustained making their use questionable. If there is the possibility that there might be a conflict with her other essential medicines I certainly would not use any of them. More important is it necessary that she get loving compassionate care with a genuine love/trust relationship established with a caregiver.
Keep faith and God bless.
Franklin

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franklin K. Cassel

[CarylAnna]

Thank you Franklin. You're right. We are trying to give her the understanding and loving support she needs. We are worried about my grandfather. Theyve been married for over 55 years and he is not the most patient man in the world. he loves her but doesnt deal with her very well sometimes. so he will bear the weight of her disease more than anyone else for a while. thanks for your advice. you said the ad meds dont really help? can you tell me more about that please?

[SciTeach]

There are several meds prescribed to slow the progression of AD. I can't speak for all of them, but I do know that my mom has been on Aricept for 2 years and also takes several other meds as well....one for high blood pressure, one of osteoporosis, drops for glaucoma and Paxil for anxiety.

The DR. that 1st prescribed the Aricept never mentioned coming off any of the meds. Her 2nd neurologist has prescribed some of these meds she is currently on knowing she was already on the Aricept.

I am not sure which AD med your grandmother's DR. was referring to, but perhaps you could ask him about the Aricept. It has really helped my mom. She is still in decine, but it has been a VERY slow process.

Good luck to you.

SciTeach