Aricept

[Trinity4]

My husband has been taking 10mg of Aricept for 2 years now and I have not noticed any significant difference in his memory.  Actually, my observation is his memory is becoming worse.  I'm struggling with whether I should discontinue the medication since I don't see improvement and because it is quite costly.   I also know Aricept is designed to slow down the dementia so if I discontinue it I'm wondering if he will become worse much faster.  Is there any other medication out there that may work better and cost less?

Thank you
Trinity  

[amycamille]

As stated before, Aricept only slows the progression of Alzheimer's. Most (if not all) medications specifically designed for memory related to Alzheimer's only slow the progression. I know that's not something that is easy to hear. Something that also may slow the progression is working the memory. When you are visiting, bring up old memories and re-live them. Do memory games. Work on puzzles. Read the newspaper or books. Work on hand-eye coordination by thossing a ball around. These things help, but there is nothing that will completely stop the progression. I'm very sorry, I know it is discouraging.

[heartfluttersflyawayplz]

my mom also took it and it made her worse we took her off of it, its only to last a year and help slow it down but i have talk to lots and they say same thing you are there was no difference , just the cost of the meds. sorry its so hard to watch our love one go down, but you will be blessed for being there and doing all your doing . GOD BLESS YA. MERRY CHRISTMAS

[birdie0907]

No drug can restore an Alzheimer's sufferer. Aricept only slows the progression just as you said in one sentence, however it does not help everyone. Not very reassuring when you are faced with high med costs and have no way to tell if it is really slowing his disease  progression or if it would be at the current pace without the med.

[Trinity4]

Maybe everyone forgot?