Has anyone had experience with LO taking Aricept (Donepezil)? Neurologist has prescribed it; PCP is dead set against it. Who do I listen to?

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BklnMom Asked June 2020

Has anyone had experience with LO taking Aricept (Donepezil)? Neurologist has prescribed it; PCP is dead set against it. Who do I listen to?

LO was prescribed Aricept 3 months ago by her neurologist. PCP nixed the prescription b/c she said she's never seen it help anyone. In the ensuing 3 months LO's condition has deteriorated quite a bit. When we went to neurologist for follow up visit last week, he said deterioration could have been halted if we'd started the drug. Wondering if anyone has had experience, positive or negative, with Aricept.

Alzheimer's & Dementia Cognitive Decline Medications

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score 0 · Answer 1

Many PCP’s do not see value in Namenda or Aricept. In my experience as a RN many families have reported those meds really do not help improve symptoms of dementia. Given there is not much of an alternative you may give it a try- you have nothing to lose.

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score 1 · Answer 2

My mom is on Aricept. I think it has helped. But even if it hasn't slowed anything down, it certainly hasn't hurt her. At least try it and if she has any side effects you can take off. What is there to lose, really?

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score 1 · Answer 3

As you found out, there are mixed opinions regarding Aricept. It is often coupled with Namenda to slow the advance of the disease. But how do you measure a slowed progression? Some physicians say they "work" for some people. That's not very reassuring. The combination of Aricept and Namenda seemed to have no effect on my wife. It's your decision.

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thank you, I am looking for personal experience so this is helpful. I do wonder though — how do we know it's "no effect" vs what would have happened w/o the drug? My LO was taking Bacopa herb which seemed to have no effect as she was still deteriorating; however she definitely deteriorated even faster after d/c'ing it but would it have happened anyway? As we all know, correlation isn't causation ... makes it so hard to figure these things out.

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score 5 · Answer 4

I'd be inclined to go with the advice of a specialist over that of a PCP, that's the whole point of seeing one. The thing about drugs like Aricept is that it can be hard to see evidence that they are working because they only slow the progression of dementia, the don't stop it. Best evidence from multiple studies is that these meds do work for some people when given appropriately.

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score 0 · Answer 5

I have no personal experience with Aricept. What I've read is that it sometimes slows the progress of specific dementias, such as Alzheimers, Lewy Body and Parkinsons. Presumably the neurologist believes that it might have slowed the progress a bit; in general it is seen to do no harm and sometimes helps a bit.

Are you considering trying it now for your LO?

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Has anyone had experience with LO taking Aricept (Donepezil)? Neurologist has prescribed it; PCP is dead set against it. Who do I listen to?

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