Yesterday my brother and my dear SIL stopped over to see us. My SIL is my age (25 days older, actually). We've been friends since junior high school, over 50 years. She mentioned she has been taking Aricept for almost a year now. Nearly floored me. Now, neither of them mentioned AD, but I don't know of any other reason for taking Aricept. Is there? I am heartbroken about it. Her older sister has had AD for several years, and her father had it for some time before he passed away. I just cringe when I think of all they will both have to go through. I love them both dearly and feel terible for them. They just have no idea. She is 65 years old.
Maybe she can't bring herself to say AD, but it must have taken a lot of courage to tell you what she did. I would think she waited because of what you are going through with your hb and she knew how hard it would be.
Sometimes when someone just mentions something in passing like that, and they KNOW you are going through their same struggle, they are giving you an opening. Maybe you could tell them both that you are there for them if they want to talk more. Then you could say the same thing to each one privately. If one or both take you up on your offer, you can help guide them through this journey. If they don't, then wait a few months. You could give the address of this website to your brother (privately).
Agreed. This is why I make a point of telling people about my husband's dementia. We all know there's nothing "shameful" in it.. I assume, Mae, that they know your husband is "taking aricept".. so she knew you'd know how to interpret it. And hopes you'll be there to help them as needed, as I am sure you will be.
What a coincidence, I met with my DH's nephew's case worker (he is an autistic, Asperger adult) and she asked me in passing if my DH was taking aricept. I said why do you ask?? she said that they are seeing strange reactions from their clients and are warning their client's caregivers to ask the doc for something else????
I also have friends whose husbands are on Aricept, yet they both DENY that the husbands have Alzheimer's!!! I just keep my mouth shut, knowing that the truth will meet reality soon for them. They can't accept the truth as yet. I DID suggest that they check out this site though....
I met a lady a few months ago that took Aricept for something else. She had had cancer, and as you know some of us have "Chemo Brain" after chemo. Chemo brain makes it harder for you to recall things. I had it for awhile. Anyway, her doctor had prescribed Aricept for about 6 months to help her memory.
gmaewok, I know exactly how you feel. My sil was my best friend. To hear this news about someone you love dearly is yet another heartbreak. It is difficult enough to have your day to day life but to know someone you care so much about will be facing a similar fate, oh my!! Joang said it right. I hope you can take a deep breathe and follow her advice. I will be thinking of you.