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He was forgetting things that happened recently, but talking constantly about the old days, was confused, having close calls while driving, acting out sexually, etc. following me everyplace. Dr. put him on Aricept and later Zoloft. Now I am questioning myself. Am I losing it?

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This disease is such a mystery, and no one yet has quite figured out all the symptoms. From my experience as both a nurse and caregiver of my husband, improvements can be seen temporarily, and Aricept and Zoloft will not cure this disease. Nothing can. Just know you are in for a long, hard road and prepare for it. It is not easy, but you are a woman, and you can get through it!
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my mom is on Aricept and Zoloft as well for the first 2 years I was sure that she had been misdiagnosed BUT the last 6 months have been an eye-opener . The Aricept slows down the progression of the disease but just be ready and enjoy the calm before the storm.
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NOTHING FIXES IT! The drugs are probably slowing the disease, but nothing stops it. It goes very slowly, insidiously at first. I left my husband alone while I went to teach school for 5 years. But then I saw changes that made me know I had to retire. I have been home with him now for four years. He is now totally dependent on me to do his activities of daily living. Next year he will probably go to the last stage. But no one know how long it will last. I pray that God will take care of us and make me strong enough to deal with this. I have a Stephen Minister,and 2 days of Adult Medical Day Care at this point. I am supposed to get 12 hours of free Nursing care at home in the near future. (From the VA) I am excited about that! He still know me at this point, but doesn't know I am Nancy or that I am his wife! The stephen Minister is just a friend from church who volunteers to come once a week and just listen to me. I always need that since Bill does not communicate, having lost most of his vocabulary at this point. He can still show me what he wants! Bill is sweet and gentle and even though he is not the man I married, he is still someone I love very much!
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Agree with ferris. My mom also seemed much better after initially being put on aricept and namenda. Enjoy him now and make yourself some good memories. Best of wishes on your journey.
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One more. Many people with Alzheimer's stay at home for the rest of their lives and they are ok as long as there us help. For some, like my mother, it will become necessary for them to move to a nursing home or memory care unit. The best advise I have received--from a doctor whose grandmother and mother both had Alzheimer's at the same time was "plan for two steps ahead. " So while things are smooth now, I would start looking into what your home care options are. Do you know someone who dies this, maybe a family member or retired nurse? Are there people in your church you could employ to help? What about family members? If you know anyone who has needed home care, ask for references. Look at agencies too, and start to think about how you would pay for this. I almost want to suggest pre-emptively going on medicaid now so you won't have to worry about the five year look back if and when a nursing home becomes necessary. And speaking of, I would start looking at nursing homes in your area. Take tours and ask questions now. Have a plan now while things are going well. You may never need this, but if you do, you'll be so glad the leg work is over. Good luck and enjoy all your good times.
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They have good days and bad days. Mom can remember intricate details of events that happened 70 year ago, but can't remember what she was doing 30 seconds ago. This is typical. It's the nature of the disease -- short term memory goes first, with long term memories hanging on longer. Very strange that she can seem completely lucid one moment, make a completely sensible, logical and truthful remark, and then retreat into utter nonsense seconds later. She does have what I call her "second Springs" that last, sometimes, for a day or two, when she almost seems "normal". They are becoming less frequent and poop out more quickly. Take advantage of that time as best you can. I use it to get mom out of the house, going to some of the places she used to enjoy, like eating out and shopping at some of her favorite stores or visiting with her friends that are also homebound.
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Thanks, and hugs to all of you! I guess I just needed to be reassured! It is indeed a mysterious journey!
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My mom is on Aricept; dr wanted her to try an add'l Alzheimers drug also but she started to swell up from it. Since mom has problems with osteoarthritis, she took her off of the add'l med. The dr felt that it was worth a try but since it wouldn't 'fix' Alzheimers only slow the progression, she took her off of it. Mom has her challenging moments so the family and I try to grin and bear it knowing it's only going to get worse in the future. We try humor, a little 'space' when we've had too much (we take turns), and some tongue biting !!! LOL... It sure isn't easy but it isn't any better for Mom...we try our hardest to remember the 'good days' versus the bad days...and repeat, repeat, repeat the good days... On my hardest days/moments with Mom I look at her, I am so sad sometimes but I don't let her see it and just want to protect her from everyone and everything which is why I'll keep taking care of her as long as I can. I'm going to miss her, even though she'll be right in front of me and that's what I think of when I look at her. THAT's what gets me thru....grit your teeth, set your boundaries, maintain daily care and just love your parent/spouse as much as you can for as long as they are here. Don't get me wrong, I get so frustrated alot, but when I stop to think of what I just wrote , somehow it gets me thru.
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Please remember, as others have said here, Alzheimer's is not curable. Think of your brain as you would your fingerprints - no two people have exactly the same fingerprints. No two people have exactly the same brain. Yes - the brain performs the same functions for people but each is very different from the next person. With this in mind - certain drugs work for one person and not the next. If your loved one seems better - take the advice of many other here on this site - enjoy the time you have... Best wishes on this journey.
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If he has been diagnosed with dementia, then he has dementia no matter how he presents. The Aricept may be slowing the progression of symptoms of the disease but there is no cure. I have spoken to people and didn't recognized they had dementia until much later because they presented well. If he is having close calls while driving it may be time for him to stop driving. If he were not demented he would probably feel bad if he had an accident and hurt someone. Only difference now is he doesn't recognize the risk. In my experience, those with dementia can vary from day to day, one day can be good the next day they can be very confused and combative or are acting out behaviorally. Enjoy the time you have together, discuss the 'old' days, laugh and love him as much as you can for the time you have left together.
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