My DH has been going downhill so quickly. First noticed when switched from Aricept to Galantamine, about 2 week into the change of drugs. Then added 2.5 mg Zyprexa for agitation. Within a few days couldn't shave, kept forgetting who I was, toiletting issues, forgot his full name. Now 2 weeks into the placement, high blood pressure, slurred speech, more nonsensical, repetative words. Started shuffeling gait, leaning forward. Became incontinent (they put him on Depends because of technical problems when using the toilet. When I first placed him he was aware that I had abandoned him and left him there. So he told his friend. I still feel very terrible that he had to feel such pain and anxiety. Dr. took him off Galantamine, because both Aricept and Gal. can cause aggression and agitation. He is now on 7.5 mg. Zyprexa, o.5 Ativan as needed.
I feel that I have contribute to his decline. At home he was so physically healthy. We ate lots of vegies, walked every day over 2 miles.
Have others experienced such quick declines with med changes or placement?
Monika, Check out the Zyprexa. My Dh was put on Zyprexa and had some bad reactions to it. Agitation, getting up in the middle of the night doing some bizarre things, falling out of bed, and the constant peeing. It took about 3 weeks to get him back to the new normal after stopping Zyprexa. He has extreme reactions to medications. Could not take seroquil or the exelon patch.
Monika, the Aricept might have been helping him but the galantamine was not. why the doctor didn't try switching him back is a question. Others here have talked about how their LO took a downward turn when placed. Some gained back, others did not. Will this have happened at home? You will never know. Just remember there was a reason to place them, so you need to remember back why when you start 'if only's'. Don't beat yourself up over this. He needs you now more than ever - just not as his 24/7 caregiver.
Dr. didn't want him back on Aricept because of his aggressive behavior that he had developed. He thought that both Aricept and Galantamine can cause aggression/agitation.
Others have said that on here that their spouse had that reaction but it was usually when diagnoses changed from AD to FTD. Hope that is not your case.
I placed my 63 yr old husband 5 weeks ago- and yes, there has been a decline. Had to insist for a Psych Consult, as they had him on so many drugs he had never taken- Ativan, Zyprexa, Valium injections, Effexor, Klonopin, Risperdal. He is allergic to Ativan, and Valium is a stepped up Ativan. They wondered why he was so behavioral??? Nursing Homes do not understand Alzheimers. The Psych MD called me and said why in the world is he on all of this and he took away everything except the Risperdal- and he is 100% better!! He sleeps more. Again, he went in walking, but now can only walk about 4 feet. I wished I would have kept him home and never ever done this. He went to Loma Linda University Day-Care 5 days per week, 9-3, wasn't that enough respite for me?? I go to the NH so many hours each day- if I am there, why couldn't I still be doing the care at home. If I would have had the funds, I would have placed him in an ALZ Facility- not a NH. I want to bring him home and care for him, but I know my family would be opposed to it, but they are never here anyway or go to see him. Answer to question, YES, I feel they decline.
Dear ckkgram. It's such a heartbreak, because we feel responsible for making decisions and it is agonizing when you think you made a wrong one. I'm so glad he is doing better with only the Risperdal. I don't know why they put him on so many drugs. I to go to see my husband every day, sometimes twice. Even if he is sleeping I sit next to him. I'm the one with sundowner's and gets anxious if I can't see him in the evening one more time. It would be hard to care for one's DH at home without developing health problems of ones own. I still need to be there for him, take him to the Dr. today, make sure he is o.k., be is advocate, get his room decorated, kiss him, hug him; we still have our husbands, even though in a different kind of relationship. Love changes, he is almost more like my child, yet true love endures, and does what is needed and is helpful.
I go 2 times each day also- wash his clothes, kiss him, hold his hand. I agree, I feel anxious also if I do not see him. How I understand you Monika- I feel the very same. I also want to hold him close and love him for the time we have left. God bless you!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Since March, I have seen my wife decline drastically. Because she was combative with the aides, the NH had placed her on numerous psychiatric drugs. Although they are now weaning her off of them, she sleeps almost all of the time and has very little awareness of her surroundings. Considering how capable she was just three months ago, every visit is heartbreaking. So yes, I do believe that placement and medications can hasten decline.