ADVICE:From MCI to Full ALZ/Memantin

Leogoddess

Hi,

New. Mom 74 Diagnosed with MCI, but Pet scans show hypometabolism in all areas of the brain. Full cognitive workup shows spacio awareness issues, but not much else. Neuro suggested she start Memantin to " slow possible progress". My limited research shows it does not slow and many dangerous side effects, but Mom still in charge and wants to take.

What advice do you have for me. Her property is in trust and I am her POA. She is functioning well now, but I am so shocked and overwhelmed I don't know what if anything I should do now. How long typically from MCI to ALZ? Did the meds help at all?

TIA for ANY help. Still numb.

harshedbuzz

Duration of stages.

Seven Stages of Dementia | Symptoms, Progression & Durations (dementiacarecentral.com)

Life expectancy.

Dementia life expectancy: Duration and stages (medicalnewstoday.com)

As to the medication. It doesn't change the rate of disease progression/damage to the brain, but for some it can improve day-to-day function for a time for some who take it. Folks here who have stopped it generally do so because of GI issues.

HB

M1

Welcome to the forum, you've come to a good place. This forum can be more help than many doctors.

No harm in letting her try it but do watch for GI issues--nausea, decreased appetite, diarrhea. Don't expect miracles, I can think of at least one person on the forum whose spouse had a good response. No big loss if she doesn't tolerate it though (none of the older drugs are spectacular).

Almost always the docs say "MCI" at first. I think they try to "ease" families and patients into the diagnosis. I'm more of a cynic, and suspect much that gets called MCI is already in the dementia category. Trust your own instincts on this. And better to prepare for disease progression and be pleasantly surprised if it doesn't happen, than vice versa.