My Mom, 89, is around stage(s) 4-5. Seven months ago she started on Aricept and Namenda. She takes the Aricept in the a.m. along with the Namenda. Then in the p.m. she takes another Namenda.

I am not sure what I am supposed to see. I don't see them being helpful. She is progressing quite quickly in the memory loss department. I can't help but wonder
a - what would she be like without them?
b - why does it seem she's getting worse than better, or even at least staying the same?
c - I have heard that "going off" these meds is bad. Is it? If they are not helping her, then why take them? They are expensive.

How do I know if they are working/not working?

Thanks for any info you can give me.

ceejay

Dear ceejay,

Hello, and thank you for using the Alzheimer's Association Online Community.

Aricept and Namenda are drugs that are given to those who have Alzheimers. They will not stop or cure the disease, and about half of the people who take it experience some benefit. Aricept is generally given at night. The initial dose is 5 mg a day. After 4 to 6 weeks, if it is well tolerated, the dose is often increased to the therapeutic goal of 10 mg a day.

Namenda is supplied as an oral medication in 10 mg tablets. Like Aricept, this drug is not designed to slow down the disease, however researchers found that on a whole, some people have slight improvement in memory and thinking skills, behavior, and activities of daily living.

Any questions about these drugs should be brought to the doctors attention before changes in her intake are ever made. Remember, each person is different with their experience to these drugs. It's hard to say how she would be if she did not take these drugs, but again talk with the doctor if your concerns grow.

Should you have any questions, please call us 24 hours a day/7 days a week at (800) 272-3900. Thank you for using the Alzheimer's Association Online Community.

Sincerely,
Clifton, Care Consultant
Alzheimer's Association