Aricept dose adjustments

ajzjmsmom · July 8

When our LO was diagnosed with dementia in Dec 2024, he was started on aricept, continues to take it before bed and right now not at his house so unsure of his dose. I estimate given the symptoms we are seeing he is probably mid to late stage 5.

At this point in time would asking for his dose to be adjusted up, help with his symptoms? We see the primary who diagnosed him with dementia for some blood pressure issues on Friday and then in August will transition him to the Geripact program and a geriatric provider at the VA. Not sure TBH that we want to change any of his meds except to address the low blood pressure issues until he goes under the care of the geriatric doctor.

He had an appointment after lunch at the VA with his primary there and the nurse was asking him questions about us (his 3 caregivers) and he had a difficult time answering her questions or answered them wrong. I hope with my SIL and I taking him to see the primary who DX'd him, we can get some answers about what type of dementia we are dealing with and what all my MIL was told that she didn't tell us.

B Lynn · July 8

I don’t know what dose your LO is on. Aricept is started at the lowest dose then titrated up from there. There are titration recommendations if you look at the drug package insert. It wouldn’t hurt to contact the provider to explain LO’s current status & ask if a dose increase is in order. Obviously, if LO is taking the highest dose you might ask if one of the other meds would be a better option. Likely not, but it’s worth asking about. Wishing you the best.

H1235 · July 8

It’s my understanding that aricept is a medication used only for the first year or so after diagnosis. I believe it’s not really used for the treatment of symptoms, but to hopefully slow the progression of the dementia. I’m kind of surprised he would still be taking it at stage 5. The dementia will continue to progress and at some point aricept is not going to do any good. It may be time to consider other medications to treat he symptoms. A patient portal is a great way to get information and communication concerns with the doctor.

ajzjmsmom · July 8

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/276932#Comment_276932

That was what my MIL said, the doctor was hoping it would slow the progression. And I could be wrong and he isn’t stage 5 but he sure does present with a lot of the symptoms that fall in stage 5.

ajzjmsmom · July 10

Well after visit with his community primary, the doctor says no reason to increase his Aricept dose from the 5 mg that at this point in time he doesn’t feel like it would make a difference. Did say he suspects mixed vascular/alzheimers. Was having some issues with low blood pressure so has pulled him off the blood pressure meds.

rmisheloff · July 10

My understanding is that aricept is to treat symptoms and improve quality of life, not to slow disease progression (wish that it did, but it doesn't). And i've never been told that there is any reason to stop the medication at one year. As to dosage, i think the usual dosage is 10mg/day, but maybe 5 initially to see how that is tolerated.

ajzjmsmom · July 10

Our LO and his wife was told by their primary that it could slow the disease but not stop it. He has been on the 5 mg since Dec 2024 but his disease has progressed quite a bit and at this point in time upping his dose wouldn't make a difference and once he sees the geriatric provider in August, I guess we could potentially see some changes to his medicines. Today was the first day that we have been able to go into a visit with his primary since my MIL died. my MIL really didn't like us involved in their business.

Emily 123 · July 11

Sometimes in the middle stages they'll transition the person over to Namenda…

Aricept dose adjustments

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