Galantamine

JulietteBee

I've never heard of this drug, much less, someone on it.

My mom's neurologist suggested this medication that will not reverse the damage or retrieve lost functions. It is intended to help her retain the abilities she still currently has in stage 5.

Anyone?

towhee

Brand name razadyne. Same class of drug as aricept, slightly different.usuallt not the first drug used, but some people tolerate it better than aricept

harshedbuzz

These kinds of medications can help some people function better than they would otherwise. They do not slow the actual disease process.

HB

JulietteBee

Thank you both for your insightful responses.

I wonder if anyone has a pwd who is on it. I'd love to share some firsthand experiences. With having to deal with periodic Afib flares, she is averse to taking any new meds. I am trying to talk her into giving it a try.🙏🏽

SDianeL

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/270104#Comment_270104

you can search all the posts on this forum for the drug name. The search thingy is at the top of the page. I got my DH to take a new medication by telling him the brain doctor (didn't use Neurologist) prescribed it to help his brain, and never mentioned dementia to him. He took it. At some point we have to make the decisions about their medications and not ask them. If they refuse to take them, crush them and put in applesauce or pudding.

JulietteBee

@SDianeL, thank you for reminding me of the search feature. I will do that right now.

Fortunately, the crushing pill and hiding it in mom's food is not yet an option. While she is late stage 5, entering 6, as a retired RN, she retains a very high cognitive reserve. She is still able to communicate her Healthcare wishes & asks appropriate questions of her providers.

When she was diagnosed with MCI back in 2024, her PCP prescribed Aricept. She went home, pulled out her nursing drug book, and saw it can cause serious cardiac issues. With her history of Afib, she went back and told the PCP she was not going to take it, and why not.

Additionally, she has not developed any swallowing difficulties, so she is able to eat solid foods. I don't believe mom has ever eaten applesauce. 🤔