Guest guest Posted January 13, 2002 Report Share Posted January 13, 2002 My understanding is that both Aricept and Exelon inhibit the action of acetylcholinesterase and so improve functioning in cholinergic brain pathways, their action and effects are similar. The problem is that other brain pathways e.g. dopaminergic are implicated in LBD, and also these drugs will only delay and not prevent cognitive decline. My dad has been taking Exelon for some months now. There is an improvement in his memory and speech, less confusion and fewer hallucinations. However it is clear that he still has these problems as we can see when waiting for tablet to take effect in mornings. No runny nose, but he does sometimes suddenly shout out and shudder. This appears involuntary, and he finds it very distressing as does my mum. It seems to happen if he is uncomfortable or feeling irritated. Anyone else had any similar experiences? Suzi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 14, 2002 Report Share Posted January 14, 2002 Dad also has the clear runny nose. We too thought it was either the climate in the nursing home or allergies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 8, 2002 Report Share Posted February 8, 2002 In a message dated 2/8/02 10:53:25 AM Central Standard Time, MaiLiis@... writes: > I mentioned to my Alz group of only 10 caregivers that I would like to have > my husband try Exelon.....and I was reminded by them that 3 of their > spouses had had strokes when put on it. Rather high percentage That is scary, Mai-Liis! Thanks for the input! Cheryl Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 8, 2002 Report Share Posted February 8, 2002 In a message dated 2002-02-08 11:53:17 AM Eastern Standard Time, MaiLiis@... writes: > Exelon.....and I was reminded by them that 3 of their > spouses had had strokes when put on it. Rather high percentage Have never heard about THAT. Seems to me we should be made aware of such possibilities BEFORE starting the medication. Ev Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 8, 2002 Report Share Posted February 8, 2002 Exelon is for cognition. It may help some. Is he on an antipsychotic like zyprexa (olanzepine) , seroquel or risperdal? I found only the risperdal worked for my mom a bit and that took 3 months. After 9 months or so they added epival. She's still out there but had not been quite so agitated until the last dose of antibiotics for her pneumonia. H I'm still here until I will be unsubscribed as asked. I mentioned to my Alz group of only 10 caregivers that I would like to have my husband try Exelon.....and I was reminded by them that 3 of their spouses had had strokes when put on it. Rather high percentage....and something to be aware of. Mai-Liis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 8, 2002 Report Share Posted February 8, 2002 My mother's internist had some medicine that he wanted her to try--I dont' remember which--and the psychiatrist broke ranks with the other doctors and called me and warned me that it could endanger mother's life. Then I was able to call and tell the internist that I wouldn't sign the consent forms to give it to her. It might have helped her-- if it didn't kill her. I just didn't think her life was so terrible that it was worth that much risk. Of course, now I might change my mind. Her quality of life is so diminished that it might be worth some risks to improve it. > In a message dated 2002-02-08 11:53:17 AM Eastern Standard Time, > MaiLiis@i... writes: > > > > Exelon.....and I was reminded by them that 3 of their > > spouses had had strokes when put on it. Rather high percentage > > Have never heard about THAT. Seems to me we should be made aware of such > possibilities BEFORE starting the medication. > Ev > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 13, 2002 Report Share Posted February 13, 2002 Just wanted to pass on another wonderful visit with my dad. After last week and wondering if the sun would every shine again.....dad was taken off Ativan and started on Exelon. He is still on a dosage of 1.5 mg. yet he seems to have improved already. Mornings are still a bit rough for him but NOTHING like before. The nh did take down all the glass from the pictues, took down the mirror in his room and even put up some sticky shelf paper over his windows. My first thought of that was I wanted him to be able to look out the windows....but then putting his feelings before mine I realized this could prove to be very helpful with the hallucinations and reflections in the windows. He was so very happy. The past 6 months or so most of our visit would be his anger and/or crying. Made it tough to go visit him and tough to leave. Today his cheeks were rosey, he was setting at a table with a female resident, smiling, laughing, and enjoying being there. He never did cry during this visit. He actually talked to me a little......haven't really heard his voice in sentences for so long. This almost seemed like a brief gift from God and I couldn't get enough of my dads voice. He even told me to " Come back " ......wow, that was stored in my heart. Just wanted to pass on a positive side to this in what had been a very dark, scary place for my dad and me. Sandie Des Moines, IA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 14, 2002 Report Share Posted February 14, 2002 Sue I absolutely agree.....each moment of every day whether in the life of an LBD patient or not has become such a gift to me. Guess I learned that when my mom passed away 18 years ago. I wasn't quite 20 and thought she would be around a long time. Now with this LBD disease each time my dad says my name, laughs, looks at me where I know he is really in there.....I video tape those moments in my heart. Glad you could also share in the joy I felt. Am going to go see him today, Valentine's Day, and am hoping for the best again. Sandie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 14, 2002 Report Share Posted February 14, 2002 dear sandie i am so happy you had a pleasant visit with your father. Don't you wish it could go on and on, hopfully it will last a little time. When my husband has a good day, I forget the bad ones. (like when you give birth, you forget the pain until the next one comes along) gloria Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 14, 2002 Report Share Posted February 14, 2002 In a message dated 2/14/02 12:08:47 AM Central Standard Time, sanclown@... writes: > Just wanted to pass on a positive side to this in what had been a very dark, > scary place for my dad and me. So glad you did, Sandi. What a nice Valentine's Day gift!! :-) Cheryl Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 14, 2002 Report Share Posted February 14, 2002 Shirley Of course todays visit wasn't quite as smooth and happy, but it ended up o.k. Dad was struggling a little and I'm sure it was because of te floor waxer that maintenance was using. It was loud and is a very big machine. At the end of the visit dad was doing better. Had to shave him, helped him with his lunch, then he did talk a little. Days like yesterday sometimes seem like a dream......and I never want to wake up out of them. Sandie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 14, 2002 Report Share Posted February 14, 2002 Cheryl So glad so many people in this group could share in the happiness. It was almost like a dream. Today dad wasn't AS happy and smiley, however, nothing like he had been the week before. I shaved him and then had the opportunity to hear his voice again. Thank you for your reply and for reminding me that this truly was a Valentine's gift. Sandie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 14, 2002 Report Share Posted February 14, 2002 Gloria Yes, I do wish the good days could go on. I do take every good day, and every wonderful minute to the fullest and realize they are a gift. So glad you replied and it was nice seeing your name on an email. Take care Sandie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.