Todoay my husband was diagnosed with beginning Alzheimer’s. The doctor wants to put him on Aricept if the heart doctor ok's it. He has a pacemaker. He is 85 years old and part of the IDEAS program (Imaging Dementia Evidence for Amyloid Scanning). I am stressed right now. It seems to me this topic has been mentioned in the past. Would someone tell me of their experiences with Aricept? I seem to remember It didn't work well. The doctor said one of the side effects was diarrhea and he has that already because of health problems. I would appreciate any feedback.
I have been watching this site for about 2 years. I want all of you to know I have really appreciated all the comments I see. What a wonderful bunch of people all of you are. I know this part of my journey through life is just starting.
Sunnygirl1
I could tell something wasn't "right" with My husband. We already had all of our doctors but his heart/pacemaker doctor at Loma Linda University Medical Center. Dr. Labib is a specialist in Geriatrics at LL. He accepted us and got us into this IDEAS (Imaging Dementia Evidence for Amyloid Scanning) program sponsored by Medicare. A special PET scan with radioactive dye was installed at the medical center just to identify Alzheimer's. We both got into the program. The Doctor asked me if I wanted to participate, and when he said husband had some dementia I asked if he could be put in the program also. The doctor has a certificate in reading this particular scan so he can see for himself what the results are. He showed first me (I was the first patient at that location in the study) in March. I only have "normal wear and tear of my brain". Marty had his PET scan last week and the doctor told him yesterday it is Alzheimer's. Showed us the difference in his brain compared to a normal brain.
My husband turned 85 in January. I turned 83 in June. My mind is full of questions, scenarios, all of them running in circles in my head. Most of them cannot be answered, only time will tell what will happen.
The doctor wants to put him on Aricept if his Heart/pacemaker doctor is ok with it. If not he wants to put him on the other drug. Can't think of the name right now. The two doctors have to talk. After reading the kind posts from all of you I feel easier about it. I know I am panicked. I also know this is a long journey for us. We have a Trust, every thing paid for, but no long term health care insurance. Oh, well, this is what savings are for. I am starting to ramble.
Thanks again so very much.
As far as I know he is a Elder Care Specialist, but I will find out for sure.
I'll come back for updates. Just hugs.
Medical doctors can get a financial incentive from the pharma companies to recommend/to kindly push a drug. I'm not saying your husband's doctor is one of them - but there are plenty of other doctors that do receive compensation for recommending Aricept (and any other drug, frankly).
At 85 years old, really think about what is best for his quality of life. You have a choice. Don't feel rushed or pushed into making a decision. As you move forward in your husband's care, don't feel obliged to accept the first doctor's recommendations - for any treatment. Get several opinions, if you can.
Of course things are going round in circles in your head; but in your case, it's all the *right* things. And you only heard yesterday! - be fair, take the time you need to let the questions fall into their proper order.
How is your husband feeling?
I checked and our Trust attorney is a certified elder care and memory care attorney. He has been with my husband's immediate and extended family for many years. My husband is next to the youngest in his family.
Right now, he is very easy to get along with. I am so grateful for that.
Thank everyone for your comments and what you are doing every day.
I'm so sorry that you're on this journey with us. My father-in-law, Mother and now my Husband all take (took) Aricept. They tolerated it well and it helped extend the early stages as long as possible. It's not a miracle drug, but it's among the best available.
Blessings,
Jamie
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