DH is in hospice care for past month. He is failing,mentally very little talking, usually one word, or something I can't understand. He is total care. He also has cirrhosis of liver & multiple myeloma. We're not due to see the neurologist till March, however, I'll calling him tomorrow concerning DH meds. My question to all of you is: Is there a time to stop giving Namenda and Excelon patch at such and advanced stage? I don't see the benefit of taking these meds. Has anyone had any experience with this decision. Sometimes I feel the doctors say keep him on it, "it can't hurt" but what is the point? Thank to all
Your poor DH has serious, fatal diseases in addition to AD. What kind of cancer treatments is he having?If he is not being treated for the cancer, then I would question the meds too. But I think the doctor is going to have to be the one to give you the best advice. My DH too has serious complicating health issues and I fear I will face this question too.
I intend on speaking to the doctor before I stop any med, but, I guess I needed confirmation about just thinking about this. They decided on no treatment for the cancer, just comfort care, because of all his other problems and the advancement of his dementia. So far he doesn't have a lot of pain and hospice is on board to help with that. Thanks for your response. God bless.
nancyt, With what you have said here, my question to the doctor would be if the Exelon and Namenda ( my DH is on those same meds) what sort of mental or emotional decline might be experienced? Would he be more likely to be non cooperative with the helpers? Would there be anger issues? Those sorts of things and if any different behavioural events happen what sort of meds or treatments are available to keep him comfortable. On the surface, since he is getting comfort care I would be inclined to stop the meds if I got satisfactory answers to those questions.
When the boat is sinking and it is obvious that bailing water no longer works, it is time to look at the lifeboats and get them ready to launch. The medications can be stopped, perhaps gradually so that there is not a withdrawal effect. I see no reason to continue giving medications that have no results, It usually adds a bit more confusion, and sometimes no medications will show improvements. If not, then you have a better assessment of their condition, and can rule out the meds as a source of a problem. Follow your doctor's advice, but remember that you are the best judge of what is happening. Follow your heart.
Hospice said usually the dementia drugs (Aricept, Namenda, Excelon) are stopped. Since he is still under the care of his doctors it's up to them. The hospice drs take over fully when he is unable to get to see his physcians, which I know is now. Thanks for all your advice, things I didn't think about, like withdrawal and such. I have a call into his MD for further advice. Thanks again, this is so difficult, love to all.