Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Monday, April 27, 2009 Rosie asks

Q: Are there any new drugs for Alzheimer patients that my Aunt may have not tried over the past few yrs

Are there any new drugs for an elderly patient over 82 that is suffering from Alzheimer's? I just found out that my Aunt is in a nursing home because she fell and my Uncle said that due to her memory she is not going thru rehab the way she should in the home. We live in another State however I'm not sure how I can help her.

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Carol Bradley Bursack, Health Guide
4/28/09 8:10am

Check and see if she is on Aricept and Namenda. Sometimes they are used alone and often they are used together. These two are the most often used, though there are others. Your uncle likely needs some help coping with all of this and will welcome some help. Maybe you can talk with a doctor if he give permission.

 

Take care,

Carol

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AFA Social Services, Health Guide
4/28/09 4:34pm

It is important to discuss your aunt's condition and available medications with her physician. Currently there are several classes of medications for Alzheimer's disease that have been approved by the FDA for various stages of the disease. For example, brand names include Aricept, Namenda, Exelon, and Razadyne. Generic versions of some medications are also available on the market. Your aunt's physician will determine if these medications are right for her. However, it is important to note that there currently is no cure for Alzheimer's disease; these medications may help slow down the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. In addition to medications, is a good idea to consider behavioral interventions and other resources that may improve her quality of life. One way is to consider enrolling her into an adult day center when she returns home; there, she could engage in activities and social stimulation while receiving staff support and motivation on a daily basis. You can also prepare activities for her in the home, such as music, cooking and puzzles, and keep her busy and active as often as possible. This not only can stimulate her senses, but give her the opportunity to have fun as well. The goal is to stay positive, be creative, and create for her a sense of productivity so she can find her sense of purpose despite having an illness.

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By Rosie— Last Modified: 12/02/10, First Published: 04/27/09