Hello everyone. . .I'm new to the boards. My DH was diagnosed with early onset 3 years ago. He retired last year and I'm still working. He's on Exelon patches (2 a day). He's leveled off and I'm wondering if any of you have used these meds. He was taken off Aricept early on because our neurologist felt Exelon was the way to go. We have good days, bad days and those in between. I'm trying to start an advocacy group in the desert southwest of Arizona. We have lots of snowbirds but not many EO. Thanks for listening.
Welcome Arizonasun! we have lots of EOAD members here. too many-so young and some with small kids still at home. very sad to hear. this is the best online group for spousal caregiving for any dementia. we have all sorts of diagnosis here, FTD, Vascular Dementia, lewybody,AD, and others. some of us seem to see overlapping of some of the symptomolgies of the various forms. either way the outcome is the same. there are lots of pages of topics to read thru and joan the owner will be along with others to welcome you as well. divvi/tx ps there are many who use the exelon patch here and will be along to give you more input.
Welcome to my website. You have come to a place of comfort and understanding for spouses of Alzheimer patients. Please be sure to log onto the home page - www.thealzheimerspouse.com - and look at all the resources. It is loaded with information. Since you are dealing with EOAD, I suggest reading the section on the left titled EOAD. So many stories to which you can relate in there. We have many EOAD spouses here. If you have children at home, look at the section under EOAD - it's for young teens of EOAD parents.
I also suggest reading "newly diagnosed/new member" and "Understanding the Dementia Experience", as well as scrolling through the Previous Blog section - there is so much I have written that you will relate to. Be sure to check the home page daily, as it is always updated with new blogs, news articles, and information.
Welcome, and I hope to hear from you often.
As to your main question - 99-100% of our spouses are on or have been on Aricept or Exelon. Everyone is different and everyone has different reactions to them. My husband has no stomach problems with Aricept, but for those who do, the Exelon patch often works well.
Welcome ArizonaSun, this is the best support group -- period. I attended support groups locally here in CA and they were nothing compared to this group. Feel free to discuss anything. Much love, Maggie
Welcome, ArizonaSun. I agree with Maggieroni, this really is the best support group-period! Whether it's an on-line or local group, this is the best. We're family and we all love it here. Well, we wish we didn't have to be here but for the problems we have, we do love it here because of all the support, information and caring! Joan is our hero!
ArizonaSun, my wife did not tolerate Aricept - caused her to vomit for the first time in our 50+ years of marriage. She was on Razydyne for a while, but then switched to Exelon patch which she tolerates well. She is on 9.5 mg once a day. What is the strength your DH uses twice a day? My wife is also on Namenda, 20 mg daily.
Welcome, ArizonaSun! Sorry you have to be here, but you will find terrific info and support, bar none! My DH is on Aricept and Namenda, as well as Calexa for depression. We have our 3 month Neuro visit next Monday, and I am going to ask him to discontinue the Aricept. I am going to ask him about he Exelon patch, but I don't know all that much about it. I'll do my research before we go. I've had 7 or 8 bad days in a row now, so I'm done. I'll be taking a little wine therapy tonight after DH goes to bed, and start all over tomorrow. Again, welcome, and keep coming back. It'll help!
My DW took Aricept for about five years, her Neurologist took her off it because of stomach irritation. She still takes Namenda. Aricept doesn't work for everyone.
Jimmy, same reason I'm going to ask to discontinue the Aricept. It really is messing with his tummy. He's lost quite a bit of weight lately. Dear doneit, I had a minor melt down and just took a little break from the boards. I really missed the support and friendship I got here, so here I am, and I'm not going away! ((((hugs to all)))