No more Meds.

Nadine,

I can imagine that it is not easy to watch someone you love and care for experience side effects in addition to the symptoms of their illness. However, before you proceed with any changes in your mother's medication, please consult with her physician to make sure that this is a good idea. A doctor can best determine whether your mother is continuing to benefit from these medications and how to safely discontinue them if necessary.

Alzheimer's medications are generally geared to help individuals by slowing down the symptoms associated with the illness. If your mother is in the final stage of this illness, it is possible that the medications might not be as effective as they once were. It is important to recognize how the medication works and understand its limitations. But there is another side to the coin. If you find that the side effects from your mother's medication are interfering with her quality of life, that can influence your decision entirely. As Alzheimer's disease is not reversible, it is that much more important to improve conditions and promote the most enjoyable life possible for your mother.

Nadine,

We have my mom off of her meds and she seems to be just fine.  If your mom is having side effects then I would probably take her off the meds and let her be symptom free, if that is what all family members agree on and her physician.  This is such a nasty disease isn't it???  Good luck on what you decide, I know you will make the right decision.  Denise

My wife is in her late 70s and early stage AD and neither she nor I care to live, just for the sake of being alive.  No one but you can make your decision for you, but for us it is easy.  Death is inevitable.  If it becomes a choice of life with misery or death with dignity, we choose the latter.