Re: Memory: Does Namenda Work? - My comment

[Guest guest]

I've left various snippets from the article below. With my mother, we saw

improvement after Seroquel, Razadyne and Namenda were added (not all together

but at different times).

The Seroquel never exceeded 25 mg daily and had an immediate, positive effect on

her frightening hallucinations. When her neurologist felt it was no longer

helping, she was taken off of it very slowly. No negative changes were noted

during or after the discontinuation.

Razadyne was added after the Seroquel was discontinued. There was an

improvement during and following the slow introduction of the normal dose.

Namenda was added more toward the late stage and, again, improvement was noted.

The most difficult part was deciding whether it was time to discontinue the

Razadyne and Namenda. Hospice suggested it in an attempt to decrease Mom's

fatigue level. After consulting with the neurologist, a schedule was set up for

a slow withdrawal of one and then the other. Thankfully, there were no harmful

changes. Unfortunately, her late stage fatigue remains constant.

While those who study dementia issues and medications are highly qualified for

the scientific advice they offer, I do think that if they were in a similar

position, they would try to do all they could to help their loved one through

the journey. Just my opinion...until you walk through this journey with a

family member, it's not possible to make these types of judgments.

Best wishes to all,

Lynn in Florida

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

> Namenda does have positive benefits.

> Should you choose Namenda? The decision to use Namenda depends more on the >

preferences of the Alzheimer's disease patient and his or her family than on

the science. Many families and caregivers say, " If Namenda might help, even a

little bit, I want my loved one to take it. "

It is the patient and family who should make the final decision, not the doctor.

I feel the same way about stopping Namenda. It is up to the patient and family

to decide once they are given the information in a balanced and fair manner.

However, colleagues whose opinions I value feel that a drug such as Namenda

offers false hope and the benefit is so minimal that it should not be used

unless family members feel strongly that they want to try it with their

loved one. >