Miracle or momentary reprieve?

Just Ro · April 2021

Hello fellow caregivers. This is my first post after reading your stories for several months. Thank you for the wisdom of your experience on this journey we would rather not be on. The noticeable signs began appearing about 1 1/2 to 2 years ago. My DH started having problems writing out checks; keeping track of finances; properly addressing an envelope; using his computer; using his cell phone; using the tv remote; using the ATM; purchasing gas at the pump; etc. He also encountered problems with word retrieval; calling common objects by the wrong name; not remembering the names of restaurants we had gone to dozens of times. In the fall of 2020 he became fixated on the holidays. Beginning the first of October, he would ask everyday if it was Halloween yet. After Halloween he started on Thanksgiving, then Christmas. He had no concept of dates and days of the week. His driving was becoming worse and just before Christmas he backed into the garage door. I took his keys away.

I contacted his PCP and he administered the short memory test to my DH over a tele-med call. Based on the results of that test, the MRI he ordered, and the behaviors I had documented, the PCP felt DH had moderate dementia and referred my DH to a Neurologist. Symptoms began increasing in January. My DH was experiencing more hallucinations and delusions; getting up in the middle of the night, getting dressed ready to go to work; trying to get my car keys so he could take my car; packing up his things thinking he was moving; thinking other people lived in our house; not knowing who I was or our relationship; asking where his long deceased parents were; etc. Forward to now...After the appointment with the Neurologist and his review of the results of the extensive memory test he ordered, he prescribed Aricept and Seroquel. Namenda to start in a couple of weeks. DH has been on the two drugs for about two weeks and it’s absolutely amazing how things have turned around. He is still having some minor delusions, but he is sleeping all night; not having hallucinations; much calmer; much more lucid; much more “with it.” He knows who I am and we are actually able to have a conversation. Is this a miracle or a momentary reprieve? Has anyone else experienced this when starting your LO on these drugs? From everything I’ve read, I know these improvements are probably temporary and don’t halt the progression of the disease, but this turnaround has been nothing short of dramatic.

jfkoc · April 2021

Not certain what it is... did not happen here but enjoy it.

Curious....no lab work done.

M1 · April 2021

Welcome Ro. So nice to hear that he's had such a good response. My experience would suggest the Seroquel is probably having the most effect, but hey, who would argue with success regardless. No telling how long it will last, but relish it for sure for however long it does. It sounds like he was going downhill pretty quickly, so here's hoping it lasts a while.

abc123 · April 2021

Hi & Welcome! Also sorry you have a need to be here but we are glad you found us. I’m not sure what’s happening with your DH but it is wonderful. Enjoy every good moment that you can.

Quilting brings calm · April 2021

My guess would be the medication is helping him sleep and reduces his anxiety, lack of sleep and high anxiety were probably making his dementia symptoms worse. Think about how hard it is for you to concentrate and focus when you are tired or upset. Now add in a brain that doesn’t work properly even when you are well rested and calm. So you have a reprieve. Who knows how long it will last. Use this time to organize and plan for when the symptoms return.