NancyB Thanks for your input on (Family Missunderstanding)
Patient profile = DH 81 yr. MCI diagnosed Dec. 20004. Just diagnosed with FTD this week.
Thought I would start a new thread since this one was another topic..
I am debating whether to start the Exelon Patch since there is NO CURE for my LO. The sexuality problem has been going on for one year and nine months. If this phase goes away on its own, what is the use going on with the medication. He is not aggressive, Just forgets he has hugged and KISSED (it's the kiss I dissaprove of). We won't be going out much anymore so I think I can handle him.
A social worker is ging to contact me sometime this week so will go from there with their advice. Any suggestions? Sweet Pea
One bit of advice Sweet Pea. (sooo cute..sweetpea!)
What you have to know is that FTD or AD is that as time goes on, the disease progresses. As the brain degenerates, their personality will change - their aggression will increase. My husband does not have FTD, but if your DH does, he will become more and more aggressive, which is one of the hallmarks of that strain of dementia. As far as Exelon is concerned, I doubt it is doing him much good anymore..after five years. You will benefit from a drug such as Seroquel when he becomes aggressive and threatening. I told the Hospice nurse today that as they reduce many of his prescriptions - they had better not touch MY seroquel..They'd have to fight me for that! She laughed, and said that many other caregivers had said the same thing. Bless your heart. Hope you'll be okay.
I'm a little confused. Is he on any AD meds? Often AD meds. are not prescribed for FTD and can actually be counterproductive. Although I do know FTD patients who are on Exelon. Every medication affects every person differently. I know of an FTD patient who was violently aggressive while on the Exelon patch, and returned to his normal nice self when taken off of it. The only way to know for sure if it will help or hinder is to try it.
I would ask the doctor WHY he prescribed the patch. What does he expect your husband to get from it?
Hi Sweet Pea, My husband also has FTD and his neuro tried all of the drugs on him..he is off them all except for the beloved Seroquel as none of them did any good at all, and a couple of them created a true monster. Why would your Doc want to prolong the misery in any case? I vote no.
Kathi, I'm so glad you agree with me about MY Seroquel. Hospice discontinued both his Aracept and Namenda immediately. Dr. L. said it was effective only in the early stages.
bluedaze, I don't know if Seroquel is what my husband's family doctor would have given me if I had said yes to his inquiry about anti-anxiety and anti-psychotic drugs, but he didn't just prescribe it because my husband didn't need it, yet. I've been told I can have drugs for him and also for me just for the asking.
I totally agree that the doctors ought to OFFER these drugs to dementia caregivers.
By the way the doctor who offered the drugs wasn't the neurologist, who never even asked the right questions.