Hey Gang, where the "Heck the Halls" are you?

Just thinking of all the spouses we haven't seen lately...Melissa, Eleanor, Mikey, Gwen, Vicki Ann, Song Bird, Gwen (ooops, you must really be on my mind), Midway Islander Mary...oh this list could go on and on and I still would miss someone!

And, then, there are those non-spousal caregivers who are missing in action! And, not to forget, those former caregivers too! Oh, so busy getting ready for the holidays...I hope.

Drop in when you can...we miss you!

~~~~~~Happy Holidays!~~~~~~

"Dream as though you will live forever. Love as though you will die tomorrow."

Apologies for bumping into the conversation but I had to let Joan Marie know I'm hooooome!

Just in case the ten thousand posts I've left tonight don't tip her off.

"Whatever tomorrow brings, I"ll be there-with open arms and open eyes"

quote:

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Originally posted by ggjones: ... Have you known anyone to be treated with Ritalin that has AD? Seems as though the effects and reaction are different in children and adults. ...

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Hello Gwen...

Veeerrraaa is most correct. ECT is performed under general anesthesia and, though vast improvements have been made, this procedure continues to be used as a last resort when the depressed person is totally non-responsive to traditional treatments. Your fear is quite reasonable given the impacts to memory by both the procedure itself and the repeated use of general anesthesia.

Please allow me to repeat that Ritalin is occasionally used for treatment of narcolepsy in adults. This is much different than the treatment used to treat anxiety and behavior problems in children with attention deficit disorders.

The drug Veeerrraaa mentioned, Strattera, is a selective norepinephrene reuptake inhibitor that works differently from other available ADDH medications. Although Strattera is a non-stimulant, it un-naturally alters the body chemistry and has many unpleasant side effects. You may want to visit http://addhelpsite.com/ to review the use of Strattera. Bottom line, the Ritalin appears to be a much better selection to offset Richard's constant state of fatigue.

Please do not give up, Gwen. Rely on the offered network of doctors and the social worker. There are answers for you but all of them will require time, patience, and your continued perseverance.

Warmest regards...
Joan Marie

"Dream as though you will live forever. Love as though you will die tomorrow."

May I add my 2 pennies? ECT is done under general anesthesia, at least that is my belief, not from personal experience...... General anesthesia has been thought to cause a decline with AD. I always thought that ECT was done as an absolute last resort when all meds have been tried.

Ritalin, there was a discussion about it before. I did a little research on it's use with AD. (I'll try to find a link) Basically it stated that although it is an amphetamine when used in low doses it has shown an increase in overall function. The results were similar to that of those with ADHD. The drawback when used with seniors is that it is a stimulant, thus other medical conditions could probably rule out it's use. There is a new med for ADD, stratera (sp?) that another forum member was giving to their LO. This works much the same way as ritalin but it is not a stimulant. It also must be taken for several weeks to see any effect.
disclaimer....... I am not a medical professional, nor do I ever want to be one. So if any of what I have written is incorrect, please somebody correct me.

May the frog have mercy on my soul.
Power to the puppets and peace to all people.

Hi Mary,
I had not heard of Ritalin for depression, much less ECT for AD depression. The geriatric doc who suggested ECT as a "possibility only"
has done nothing more than frighten me. I think my confidence has waned also. Maybe there have been vast improvements in ECT but I couldn't imagine putting my poor husband through that.

Have you known anyone to be treated with Ritalin that has AD? Seems as though the effects and reaction are different in children and adults. Maybe I just don't understand!

The suggestion from the doc about having a network of MD's as well as social worker sounds much better to me. Guess it will be after the holidays before that option is available.

If anyone has had any experiences with these types of treatments I'd love to hear any and all information available.

Thank you so much,

"Friends are angels who help us to our feet when our wings forget how to fly."

Gwen

Gwen,

I've never heard of ECT for depression with AD either. Is he on an antidepressant? I feel Paxil is helping Hu as much as Retalin.

Hope you find some better equilibrium for this stage of the journey...children learn by leaps and plateaus, and ADLOs decline by leaps and plateaus as well, it seems. -Mary

Welcome back, Gwen! Stress and fatigue are real killers when it comes to caregiving and I know you have a lot to handle on top of managing Richard's escalating changes. Along with many of us, my heart goes out to you.

Is it possible Richard's latest behaviors are related to continued recovery from the general anesthesia used in his recent back surgery? It's not uncommon for such descents to occur. As for the use of Ritalin, it is occasionally used for treatment of narcolepsy which is principally characterized by a permanent and overwhelming feeling of sleepiness and fatigue. His geriatric doctor's suggested use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), as a means of treating AD related depression, causes me great concern. This controversial form of therapy is proven to effect both long-term and near-term memory and often requires multiple maintenance treatments. I've found absolutely no referral to its use in the treatment of EOAD or any other form of Alzheimer's disease.

With that said, I would encourage you to seek another professional opinion from a qualified neurologist with specific AD related experience. The social worker/therapist you mentioned may be of benefit to assist you and Richard with the development of coping and communication skills, a most worthy endeavor.

Gwen, please remember we are here for you. This is a difficult journey at best and all of us hope you find appropriate answers to the challenges you face. Please be careful and remember to take care of yourself in the process.

Warmest regards...Joan Marie

"Dream as though you will live forever. Love as though you will die tomorrow."

Hello Gypsy...

It's always good to "see" your smiling face and your jokes are always so funny.

Wishing you and your sweet husband a peaceful holiday season...Joan Marie

"Dream as though you will live forever. Love as though you will die tomorrow."

Hi Joan Marie, Eleanor, Jim, May, Melissa,Gypsy, and the all other Spousal CG's.

This is not turning out to be the best of holidays, Richard appears to be very depressed, spends 20 hrs a day watching TV, won't shower but maybe once a week at my insistance. Has no interest in anything. Had a heated argument with him 2 days ago, took him to geriatric MD yesterday. She put him on Ritalin and is suggesting perhaps ECT if he can't shake the depression. We see asocial worker/therapist as soon as she can get an appointment for him.

I am having a difficult time with all of this to include my Mom and sister...plus Richard is pretty hard on me (not physically) emotionally. If he does not get his way he withholds emotions, affection and love. He will punish me psychologically if I do not bend to his way of thinking. Most of the time I can handle it being the "tuff ole broad" that I'm supposed to be, but this go round seems a little harder...guess maybe I'm tired.

Have any of you heard of this treatment for depression in AD patients? Any thoughts and wisdom would be greatly appreciated. My thinking is kinda muddled.

Hope this holiday season is really wonderful for each and everyone of my forum family, I truly love you all and don't know what I'd do without y'all.

"Friends are angels who help us to our feet when our wings forget how to fly."

Gwen

Sonia-you sure sound like a busy lady. I am glad your trip went well but sorry about the camera. It is so nice to hear you are doing well in your new after CG life. The whole idea scares me even though I was a very independent person for many years.Hope you and your family have a festive season that will creat new happy memories. Please do post once in a while to let us know how you are doing. You are such a great role model for many of us.
Happy Holidays Gypsy

quote:

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Originally posted by sechang: ... All of the above would have been totally impossible if my husband were still living. So for all of you who still have the non-CG role to play in your future, there really is a whole new life awaiting. Now is not too late to begin thinking of what you might like to do with that "future" life...

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Thank you for the update, Sonia!

And, your words really do illustrate what life can be after extended caregiving. Good advice, too!

Wishing you and your family heartwarming holidays filled with unexpected joy...Joan Marie

"Dream as though you will live forever. Love as though you will die tomorrow."

Hey yourself, Joan Marie,
Right, this former CG is knee deep in other things:

Taking one granddaughter to SF at least two times a week for her classes at the SF Ballet. Her schedule is really hectic now until Dec. 28 when performances in the SF "Nutcracker Ballet" end.

Knitting a really fancy scarf for her sister; narrow, exotic scarves are all the rage for the teenagers. A sweater for her sister is on hold until that is done; as is the baby shawl started for the 6th grandchild on the day she was born ... three years ago

Add in physical therapy for my right arm ... we finally figured out that my really terrible computer table setup (egonomics are awful)are causing my problems; so while therapy continues, I am off shopping for a real computer table and chair this morning.
continuing some long-delayed dental bridge work done; and taking Gina's girls Christmas shopping ALL day on the 22nd.

Last, I am knee deep in email communications with two of my John's Chinese siblings. They have given all assurances that I can ask anything I want in the attempt to reconstruct his history from 1924 to 1954. Between their resources (and they are rich in information) and mine, we just may be able to publish John's book after all, (but only on condition that it is for all family members everywhere). I can do that.

All of the above would have been totally impossible if my husband were still living. So for all of you who still have the non-CG role to play in your future, there really is a whole new life awaiting. Now is not too late to begin thinking of what you might like to do with that "future" life.

Love to all; I lurk often, but just don't feel I can contribute very much right now. I really want to add something of value ... perhaps in the spring, when the gardens come alive again. And sometime next year I have to make a return trip to China, to continue talking with John's relatives; and visit another pictorial wonderland if I can get to Kumman, China, where the International Gardens have their permanent home.