I am new to this group and am grateful!

RMD0709

Hello! My DH was recently diagnosed (December 2025) with AD at 70yo. In hindsight, I began noticing "questionable" moments here and there probably 2-1/2 to 3 years ago, but he had just retired and I chalked it up to a major life shift. About 18 months ago, my worry intensified but he would not hear of it. As the months moved forward, the cognitive changes were blatant, and by the grace of God (literally!), he finally agreed to see a doctor. We started with a University of Michigan Geriatric PCP in November who then ordered all of the appropriate tests with a referral to a Neurologist. As mentioned, it was in December (2025) when my DH was officially diagnosed with AD. Even then, my DH was not acknowledging the AD diagnosis. I found that upsetting and confusing. After reaching back to the Neurologist a month ago, he explained "anosognosia." That was a game changer for me! I had only wished it would have been explained to me the day we met with the Neurologist for the findings/diagnosis as that is a critical piece of information for how I manage this journey! I now realize that my DH may never see what I see. I would say we are at early Stage 5, and with that, I have created so so many workarounds to help manage our lives (finances, household, frankly I take care of everything). I have been reading many posts within this group this past week. There is such valuable information here, and I wish to thank everyone for your thoughtful, informative, compassion, raw and transparent comments and questions! I am grateful to have found you! It also has been quite humbling as I believe the reality of what is ahead is starting to settle in, especially as I read many of the journeys here. My DH is able to fully physically care for himself (shower, dress, hygiene, etc). Our struggles go along with memory, logic/reason, time, finances, inability to follow complex instructions, terrible anxiety, and often verbal aggression. Traveling is something he has no interest in and brings too much anxiety. I have a question around Aricept (Donepezil). My DH is now on 10mg/day. He tolerates it without any side effects. I cannot say it is helping but I am told I would not know unless we discontinued it, and that is not recommended. My DH is not a candidate for the newer immunotherapy IV treatments (monoclonal antibodies). So, my question about Aricept is whether or not anyone has found this drug to really help make a difference? Do you find it to be a benefit?

Overall we are managing quite well. I have a wonderful family and we have many friends who are very supportive! As long as I keep life on a schedule and rather quiet, my DH does quite well with everyday life. Don't get me wrong, major changes have occurred in our lives. I have had to step away from my work as my DH is completely dependent upon me. He does not like when I am not near. I understand when people have shared how they feel like they are losing who they are at times…I get that. However, I feel blessed to be in a position to care for my DH with love, compassion and the resources needed.

Also, happy to have found you all!

Thank you!

Dusty217

Aricept will not slow the progress of Alzheimer's. It improves symptoms for a time but doesn't change the progress. My DH is taking it and I have seem mild improvement in mood but it will not help forever.

debriesea

What I understand about Donepezil is that it appears to have a small benefit in mental function and the ability to function, but it hasn’t been shown to change the progression of the disease. As I recall, the Dr said it helps clear the foggy brain. When my DH first started taking it, he was still able to recognize that it helped him think clearer. He’s been on it over 3 years now, but he’s at the stage where who knows if it’s helping anymore. I agree with your statement on why slow down the inevitable. I don’t believe it does but if it helps with brain fog during his decline, then it’s possible it may be making my life a bit easier.

jgreen

Welcome, @RMD0709 Glad you found us. I ‘stumbled’ onto this site last July when I was searching for for answers and help as I could not find support in my area. This group is truly remarkable and I am so thankful to each and every one of them.

Dr. Started my DH on Aricept last January (2025). He was hospitalized for a terrible case of the flu. Had awful sundowning while in the hospital with vivid and scary hallucinations. The Aricept helped with those and also with aggressive behavior. I think it helps with sleep also.

Do check in with us and let us know how you and DH are doing. Sending you hugs and prayers 💝

RMD0709

Thank you all for taking time to reply to my message and your kindness! Praying you all too!

DHteam68

DH tried Aricept at MCI stage 3 with no positive affect. Now, less than two years later, stage 4+ he restarted Aricept and it is helping alertness & brain fog-especially early in the day. It’s possible he’s recovered some limited short term memory intermittently.

All the best to you & you loved one.

Millerps1

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/75619/i-am-new-to-this-group-and-am-grateful

Hello, we sound like we are in a similar situation. My DH was diagnosed in February and knew something was happening the last two years but he refused to go to the doctor. He will be 69 in June. We will be going to the memory treatment center in April and just had a full 5 hour neurophysiological evaluation yesterday and will get results tomorrow. I’m very anxious. At the treatment center we are looking to have the infusion therapy if candidate so would be interested if you or others have done this and any concerns or thoughts if it helped slow down the progression. I do want to get him genetic tested for the AOPE4 to see if he is a double carrier as the side effect of the drug is worse if so.

My husband was a pilot and traveled the world so we love to do that and will continue as long as we can. However, I noticed he gets very disoriented in unfamiliar places.

It’s so hard to have to repeat, repeat, all day long and also make me realize what’s up ahead because he can’t remember anything short term, process tasks, etc. as you stated. Luckily, I work from home and right now he can still drive in the area but wondering how long that will be. I have to handle everything.

Take care