Concern for sister abruptly stopping Aricept
Posted: Sun Jul 07, 2019 3:55 pm
Hi, Everyone,
I first stopped by the APOE4 website while reading Bredesen’s book in late 2017 and many times since. I have greatly appreciated the information the website provides and the people who have made this site a great place for support. I’m finally saying hello.
I first learned of my 3/4 status accidentally while reviewing my 2016 yearly blood tests and doing a little research online. Although at first I was offended for being given information that I had not requested, I had to let that go pretty quickly because I already knew that I had a genetic risk. My mother had AD; at least three of 12 siblings either had AD or a degree of dementia. I have come to appreciate that someone nudged me with the knowledge of my APOE4 risk.
The summer of 2017, my eldest sister of three was tested by a neurologist and diagnosed with mild dementia at 75, and since then, she has had an overall slight decline with short term memory and cognitive processing. Her medical records show that she started taking Aricept prior to being tested for dementia, which is strange to me, but her previous NP must have started her on the Aricept. Her current doctor suggested she stop taking the Aricept because of the lack of evidence of its efficacy. So her prescription was cancelled, and she stopped abruptly. Tomorrow it will be two weeks.
My reason for reaching out today is because I realized the doctor hadn’t informed my sister to taper off slowly. I’ve noticed in the conversations we’ve recently had over the phone that she seems more confused and flustered. I read in Bredesen’s book that it should be tapered off more slowly and why.
I’m assuming this latest decline is the consequence of not tapering off, and would appreciate if someone has experience or information that the sudden decline could be temporary. Also, if it’s worth it to put her back on the Aricept and then slowly taper her off it. And any other thoughts or suggestions.
I will come back at another time letting you know what I’ve been doing for myself with ReCODE. Today, I’m concerned for my sister.
Much appreciated!
I first stopped by the APOE4 website while reading Bredesen’s book in late 2017 and many times since. I have greatly appreciated the information the website provides and the people who have made this site a great place for support. I’m finally saying hello.
I first learned of my 3/4 status accidentally while reviewing my 2016 yearly blood tests and doing a little research online. Although at first I was offended for being given information that I had not requested, I had to let that go pretty quickly because I already knew that I had a genetic risk. My mother had AD; at least three of 12 siblings either had AD or a degree of dementia. I have come to appreciate that someone nudged me with the knowledge of my APOE4 risk.
The summer of 2017, my eldest sister of three was tested by a neurologist and diagnosed with mild dementia at 75, and since then, she has had an overall slight decline with short term memory and cognitive processing. Her medical records show that she started taking Aricept prior to being tested for dementia, which is strange to me, but her previous NP must have started her on the Aricept. Her current doctor suggested she stop taking the Aricept because of the lack of evidence of its efficacy. So her prescription was cancelled, and she stopped abruptly. Tomorrow it will be two weeks.
My reason for reaching out today is because I realized the doctor hadn’t informed my sister to taper off slowly. I’ve noticed in the conversations we’ve recently had over the phone that she seems more confused and flustered. I read in Bredesen’s book that it should be tapered off more slowly and why.
I’m assuming this latest decline is the consequence of not tapering off, and would appreciate if someone has experience or information that the sudden decline could be temporary. Also, if it’s worth it to put her back on the Aricept and then slowly taper her off it. And any other thoughts or suggestions.
I will come back at another time letting you know what I’ve been doing for myself with ReCODE. Today, I’m concerned for my sister.
Much appreciated!