Can increasing Aricept make cognition worse?

August 6, 2012

Dad was doing OK on Aricept 5mg. His cognition/memory still fluctuated but

seemed to be quite good. I don't know if it's coincidence but it seems since his

neurologist increased the dose to 10mg daily a few months ago, he's been worse.

Today he asked me three times where my cat was (each time I told him he was

asleep on my bed, which he was), he's increasingly stressed when Mum isn't

around, even for 15 minutes and generally seems worse, mentally.

Has anyone had a similar experience, or have knowledge, regarding this issue?

Up until now it was his Parkinsonian symptoms that caused the most problems but

now it seems his mind is catching up. I haven't questioned our neuro as yet.

Thanks,

Tania

(Australia)

(Daughter of Barry, 78yo, dx PDD early 2012 and previously LBD and PD in

2010/2011, minor PD tremors since approx 2008/2009)

August 7, 2012

We had an " interesting " experience with both Aricept and Namenda for Dad.

He started on 5mg of Aricept but dizzy and dope - it also didn't agree with

his bowels! The doctor immediately cut him back to half of a 5mg. Things

were better, but still somewhat confused and dopey. We thought this was

just the normal progression of the disease.

He stayed on that Aricept dose for about 6 months with fluctuations in his

cognition and physical condition that seemed to be normal for this disease.

For whatever reason (I think it was because of continued bowel problems),

the neurologist decided to try him on Namenda.

Now here's where it got very interesting! We were told to take him off

Aricept and wait a week before starting the Namenda. Wow! We had a

wonderful week! Dad seemed clearer and more like himself than he'd been in

months! We still chalked it up to a coincidence at that time; now I'm

convinced it was no coincidence and that the Aricept wasn't good for him.

As it turned out, the Namenda was even worse!!!

He took Namenda for 3 weeks where he became progressively worse to the

point that I could hardly transfer him (dead weight) and very zombie like.

After calling the neurologist to report that this just wasn't working, it

was suggested we put him on a drug holiday for 3 weeks to see how he did. I

can't tell you what a difference it made! We made the decision then that it

would be the end of trying medications with Dad. He still has good days and

bad days, and the disease does seem to be progressing, but not nearly as

bad and fast as it seemed to be progressing on the medications that were

meant to slow things down.

Dad's story may be unique, and I think these medications are great for

some, but I thought it worth sharing Dad's story to illustrate the

medication mystery with Lewy. Everyone's different and reacts differently,

but medications should always be suspect in my opinion.

I feel such a connection to many on here who probably ask " who's this

Debbie that pops up now and then! " Someday, I really will get around to

properly introducing myself!

Caring thoughts to all...

Debbie

> **

>

> Thanks Donna. I've read a lot on here about more meds not being good for

> LBD/PDD but that even counts for something like Aricept? I talked to Mum

> about this evening and we might lower the dosage back down to 5mg, even

> just to see if it makes a little (improved) difference.

>

> Hugs back,

>

> Tania....

>

> >

> > Tania,

> >

> > I never found " more meds " better for Mom.Â She just couldn't handle

> that much meds.Â Â You will need to decide for yourself even when the MD

> wants to give them more.

> >