Aricept and Namenda are two of the drugs approved by the FDA that are typically prescribed for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.  Aricept is included in the group of drugs called Cholinesterase Inhibitors which prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine in the brain.  Acetylcholine is a chemical in the brain that is involved with cognition such as, memory and thinking.  Therefore, taking Aricept may help slow the progression of symptoms.  Whereas, Namenda shields the brain from a neurotransmitter called glutamate.  This is important as it is believed that the glutamate contributes to the death of brain cells in Alzheimer’s disease.  In other words, these medications are designed to slow the progression of any damage being done to his brain.  These drugs do not necessarily keep old memories alive but merely help to keep your husband functioning at his highest level for a longer period of time.  If you are concerned about your husband's current regiment, it is advisable to speak to his doctor about short term and long term effects of discontinuing any medication and/or making other changes, as well as quality of life issues in general.
 
Your husband’s desire to go home and get busy is very common for individuals diagnosed with dementia living in a long term care facility.  It is understandable how heart-breaking it must be that he is pleading with you to leave there still after a year.  He should be feeling comfortable there and his personal surroundings should be as “home like” as possible.  If you have not done so already, you should ask about placing pictures of family members and a few favorite decorations around the room.  Also, if you are visiting frequently and finding your husband is distressed throughout the visit, you may want to think about restructuring your visit schedule.  Ask staff if he is consistently upset about wanting to go home and find out what tactics they use in order to redirect him to a more pleasant topic or activity.  Try and observe if he is becoming more troubled when you are about to leave.  If this is the case, ask the staff to offer extra distraction and comfort to lessen the impact of your departure. 
 
Your husband’s diagnosis of dementia has impaired his ability to use logic and reasoning, to remember, to have good judgment, and to react appropriately.  Your husband is upset by living in this place, which is not what he knows to be “home.”  Unfortunately, he is not able to rationalize that this placement is designed to provide safety and health.  Your husband may be experiencing confusion, anger and fear, which need to be validated.  You can offer your sympathy, and do this honestly because you are certainly not happy that your husband is feeling upset.  Saying to him, “You seem really upset and I am sorry that you are feeling this way.  I wish that things were different and I feel sad too.  How about we go look outside at the trees?”  Even these few words can help to take the edge off this insistence upon going home.  Try not to agree that he can come home; instead continue to focus on his feelings.  If your sympathy and support can comfort and calm your husband, even in the moment, you have done a lot to help him to feel better for the rest of the day.