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katcorby Asked September 2013

My Dad has mild dementia and they put him on Namenda 28 (which is not doing anything). I'm getting scared. Any help?

I'm getting really scared my Dad is actually hanging depends on the railing to dry I need help buying these depends by all means my parents are not rich, living on SSI any help out there? His dementia is getting really bad. I'm thinking maybe I should discuss with Mom and the neurologists about Dad seeing a geriatric doctor what do you think.Thanks Kathi

jeannegibbs Sep 2013
Seeing a loved one decline from dementia is very scary indeed. It is especially frustrating that drugs don't always have the desired effect for everyone. I am glad to hear that your dad is seeing neurologists. They should know what to try.

I think that having a geriatrician as a primary care physician is a good idea for elders, just as seeing a pediatrician is a good idea for children. My husband saw a wonderful behavioral neurologist for his dementia, and a geriatrician for his general care. That is a good combination.

I wonder if your parents might be eligible for Medicaid? I suggest you and your mom consider calling their county social services office and requesting a needs assessment. Even if they are not eligible for Medicaid, the worker should be very knowledgable of the various services and programs and volunteer situations in the area. Having a chronic disease is very expensive. Don't be embarrassed to seek any help available.

sharynmarie Sep 2013
Katcorby~Namenda will not reverse the dementia but it will slow down the progression. It is not something you will notice unless your father has stress issues where you have seen him progress from the stress and now he isn't since on the Namenda. Some people on this site have told about removing a loved off Namenda and they immediately progressed very rapidly, of course they were taking it for a few years when it was stopped. My mother will hand wash her panties and put them in the window sill to dry (she is in memory care). I think she is trying to hide the fact that she leaks urine due to age not incontinence. Your father may think he can reuse the depends, idk. I am sure that others will help you in regards to buying the depends cheaper...maybe on line. They do have reusable cotton depends type underpants available online, I do not know how well they work. Going to a geriatric dr is a good idea. They specialize in the care of the elderly and may be able to help you and your mother in preparing for the future care of your father as he progresses.

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