@am*3 wrote:punch - my Mum started on Exelon drug early after her diagnosis of Alzheimers to delay the effects of the disease (she wears a patch). It was said to be only effective for up to 2 years. She has been on it for 3-4 yrs now. She started on this drug in her own home and continues on with it now she is in a retirement home.
We think it has made a difference, she still knows who everyone is, aware of her surroundings etc. It is most effective if taken early after diagnosis.
Dad's taking a tablet called Apricet, started at 5mg and increased to 10mg last week. I must google it to see what exactly it does. I know if they dont see an improvement after 6 months they wont let him continue to take it. Apparently is very expensive.
Dad can still read and he can tell you the time if you ask, but he also has no comprehension of time. He could tell you its 10 past 3, but he could think thats lunch time or night time, he can read words, but he doesnt understand.
Have to go out for a while, will look back in in a couple of hours ๐
@kengillard wrote:only in that diabetes caused his dementia, which caused his inabiltity to concentrate long enough (short term mem. loss) to follow the story line of a book. He used to be a prolific reader.
That's no good
When Mum was still in her own home she was falling asleep all the time in the day time and they diagnosed her with diabetes (type 2 ).
Mum has her own big clock on the wall and watches the time, knows 5pm is dinner time etc, but will somedays get ready for bed in the afternoon.. they have good days and bad days. She still reads a bit.. cards & letters, newspaper.
She pays quite a bit for the Exelon, although it costs 1/2 now what it did originally, the Govt (NZ) subsidised it more. The nursing manager told my sister she might as well stop taking the Exelon and save her money, but my sister didn't see the point in risking that she might go downhill faster if they stopped it.
