Alzheimer’s and Medication

[Blogdog]

My father is 75 and was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at the start of December. He has been given a prescription for medication which we have been told can slow down some of the progress of the disease. The consultant said it was up to us whether we get him to take it now, or wait until the disease has progressed a bit further. His view was that it only works for a period, and if he is coping ok at present we may be better delaying the start of medication until he has deteriorated a bit more.

Just wondering if anyone has any experience of this? I can see arguments for starting now and for delaying, however we are only at the start of our journey with this disease and I really don’t know what we may be facing.

Hi. Sorry about your Dad. Both my mam (who died recently) and MIL started taking their medication immediately. I am not aware of the Consultant giving them a choice. This could because of their ages at onset, 84 and 80.

Thanks @BlackCat91. It’s been a long hard year trying to get to this point so in some ways I’m glad we know what it is. Sorry to hear both your parents had it, and that your mother has just passed away. It must be hard this time of year especially.

Did you notice the medication having any impact?

My dad is fine, he doesn't have it.
I felt it slowed things down. My mam died of a stroke but until then she was still living at home, with Dad and with support. She had deteriorated the previous few months but I feel this was because of the Covid lockdowns etc, as all her activities were cancelled and she was just spending alot of time in the house watching TV.
My mother in law has deteriorated quicker, but she is also still at home. Her condition is complicated as she has Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
It does make sense hanging on if your dad is ok at the min. I know the side effects of the medication can be unpleasant. My MIL could not tolerate the tablets and had to have patches instead.

Mine started it at 86 ,I think it has helped hold dementia back. She managed living fairly independently til recently.