Good weekend, meds working??

Katielu · October 2023

My DH has vascular dementia, we saw neuro two weeks ago and in the last 14 months, his MoCA score has dropped. He is still at 17, but painful to watch and big change. We are 6 weeks into Aricept, his word fining has improved a lot. We traveled to his sisters this weekend, a 5 hour drive each way. He had 4 other siblings and spouses come for a day and he did great. No anxiety ( Zoloft) no repetitive questions. He did pretty well in conversations. It took him longer to tell a story and he looked to me to fill in the blanks a few times, but he slept well, and seemed relaxed. He hasn’t done that well away from home in over 18 months.

So is this medication? If so, anyone know how long it could last like this? If not, then what is the improvement? I’m not complaining, believe me, just always wanting to learn more.

Belle · October 2023

My DH also has vascular dementia but hasn’t been offered any meds other than two antidepressants to help control his moods. When was your DH diagnosed? I’m curious because my DH, who was diagnosed 15 months ago, would not have done well in that social situation.

Ed1937 · October 2023

Katielu, I'm really glad he has had such a dramatic change. Was it from medication? I don't know. How long can it last? I don't know. But as different as people are, just embrace the positive changes for as long as you can. Don't worry how long it might last. A day at a time. For now it's a huge win.

Denise1847 · October 2023

When my DH started to react angrily, the doctor prescribed Zoloft and it made a big difference.

JiminTexas · October 2023

Sorry but what is MoCA?

Katielu · October 2023

Thank you all. A MoCA is a Montreal cognitive assessment test. It is more specific than a mini mental, but not as involved as the neuro psych testing. It was done in our Neurology office 14 months ago and a couple weeks ago.

my DH was officially diagnosed January 2023 with MCI, but I think that was generous. He has had a sharp decline in the last 6 months, but I will take what we have right now. In two more weeks, we are adding Namenda. But yes, Ed1937, I will enjoy what I have for now, and not worry about the why!! I’m

angeladen101 · October 2023

This is great to hear that there are meds that help. My DH has MCI / which will become vascular dementia and I was told no medications would help. I go nuts with all the questions. Maybe it will help him in the near future. Thank you for posting.

Marta · October 2023

The measures that help with vascular dementia are those that help prevent further damage to blood vessels: BP meds, cholesterol meds, diabetes control, and at times blood thinners.

Katielu · November 2023

My husband has almost perfect blood pressure, normal cholesterol, no diabetes. He was on Plavix as he can’t take aspirin, but he stopped that for side effects.

I cannot imagine what else would account for the changes he is having. The repetitive questions are gone, and the searching for words is much improved.

whatever the reason, I’ll take it!!

subversivevegan · November 2023

Seroquel has been a lifesaver for us. A year ago my LO was in a very angry place and sundowned hard every afternoon. Now, after working with her medical team, we have developed a combination therapy using both fast-acting and time-released versions and they work very well for her. I also read recently that it's available in liquid, if/when that need ever arises.

I'm a believer in better living through chemistry. She is much happier and I can keep her with me much longer.

PS: She is also on an anti-depressant, but has been for 20+ years.

Marta · November 2023

Katie Lu: Plavix is a lifesaving drug for someone with vascular dementia. What side effect was he having?

gampiano · November 2023

Hello,

When my husband was put on ARICEPT , at about stage 5, he improved dramatically and was pretty stablr for one whole summer. I would say the good effects lasted about 4 months.

Katielu · November 2023

Marta,

I am aware where Plavix is concerned. I am also a cardiovascular RN working with hi risk medications, including blood thinners and anti platelets. No matter what time he took the Plavix he felt nauseous and “ woozy”. I am not convinced the Plavix was the cause, but he was, he was breaking it into pieces and taking sun therapeutic doses. He finally refused. He discussed with Neuro, who advised against stopping and he said “I am aware, you can document that you educated me”

I cannot make him take it, and his nausea and “ woozy” feelings are gone.

Gampiano, 4 months is better than none. I will take each day I can get. Our life has infinitely improved with the Aricept.

Mimi50 · January 2

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/186348#Comment_186348

My husband was diagnosed year ago with Vascular Dementia. They prescribed medication that helps people. With AD with their memory. The doctor didn’t even think it would help him. But it did make difference in his memory. So maybe ask at your husband’s next appointment. It might help him too. My husband is of course showing other signs of progression. More withdrawn and his problem solving skills are worse. But for the most part he is doing pretty good.

Mimi50 · January 2

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/186713#Comment_186713

There really is not medication’s vascular dementia. But some anti-depressants and drugs for memory do help some patients. So sometimes doctors don’t always put people. On these medications fortunately my husband’s doctor did.

Good weekend, meds working??

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