Dementia/Alzheimer's

[LibraryLady]

My mother had Alzheimer's (verified by brain autopsy)
I am convinced her brother did also, but all we know for sure was he was very, very confused in the last years of his life.

Last week I learned that my first cousin (on mother's side of the family) has a daughter (age 52) who has been diagnosed with a form of dementia. She was diagnosed this spring. At the family gathering she did not recognize cousins.

Sad--makes me count my blessings....

[GFB]

There are some amazing medicines these days.

My mother in law does not have alzheimers..but DOES have what doctors have told us is.."low grade dementia."

..in her case..from a stroke that happened about 15 years ago.

Anyhow, she has taken something for about 6 months that was not supposed to REVERSE anything..but instead, insure that it doesn't get any worse..it seems to have worked..she is mostly stable, and I think dementia tends to progress.

[LibraryLady]

My mother was in the test/study group for Aricept, which is now the drug given for Alzheimer's.
It slows A down for awhile, but then A takes over.
I heard that there is a second drug that works when Aricept won't work anymore.

[GFB]

I'll find out what she's taking and post it in a little while..that might be it..not sure.

[GFB]

My mother was in the test/study group for Aricept, which is now the drug given for Alzheimer's.
It slows A down for awhile, but then A takes over.
I heard that there is a second drug that works when Aricept won't work anymore.

The medicine that has helped my mother in law is..Donepezil.