My brother doesn't have Alzheimer's Disease but he's been prescribed Aricept. In checking online it appears this drug is used mainly for Alzheimer's. Is it also used for dementia and other senility type problems? Please help.

Thanks!

quote:

when on Aricept I bought depends & hung on.I was too nosey to miss out on shopping & going out.Always took replacements just in case.I still have a problem but It's no biggie with me.Life goes on.

Wow, Lynne, I didn't know that was a side effect. That would totally weird her out!!! She's "bad enough" the way it is! Thanks for the heads up.

And, huge KUDOS to you for going on with your life "in spite of" ... I really admire that about you, Lynne.

Bowel incontinence is one side effect.I was on Aricept for 4 yrs.for AD.When it stopped working I asked to be oput on Razadyne,I've been on it 4 yrs.no problems.when on Aricept I bought depoends & hung on.I was too nosey to miss out on shopping & going out.Always took replacements just in case.I still have a problem but It's no biggie with me.Life goes on.

Hi Nano,

Why are you so concerned about the use of Aricept for your brother? Just curious.


Regarding my mil, the reason I am concerned is that this aggression is DIFFERENT behavior. She has always, her whole life, been paranoid and extremely panicky. Very socially phobic.

So, because of the behavior change, I don't know if it is a *good* thing or a *bad* thing.

I'm going to call her doctor on Monday, to see what she thinks about it.

Thanks!

Janie: My bro has had periods of aggression and agitation. I'm not sure if that's because of the meds or if it's just getting older and he's frustrated with his situation. He's was also taking Sinemet and afrer familiarizing myself with the side effects of that, I'm convinced Simenet may have some effect on aggression and agitation. N

Reference mil's Aricept, is it considered "normal" for her to be a little more ..... hummm, how to say this .... angry or agitated?

She "had words" with one of her sons a few days ago when he drove to town to take her shopping. Told him to never come see her again. Basically, he "only comes" since my fil passed away and I think he feels sort of "guilty."

It is a GOOD thing for her to be more "assertive", but this is more like being "aggressive." Big difference.

Having said that, maybe she's feeling a little better and is sprouting some wings ... but never had any before and doesn't exactly know "how to fly" yet??

My husband has been on Aricept for 4 years.He has parkinsons with Parkinsons/ lewey body dementia.It work until a few months ago.It seemed to just stop working, which is not uncommon.For certain dementia it is recommended they take Namenda with the aricept.Tey would not give Namenda to my husband for fear it would enhance his psychotic behavior.Many have experience positive affects from both.one show does not always fit all

Ladies, this meds is being given to many who have memory problems, not just dementia

Hey, Nano49 and welcome to the forum. Actually, I've had the same question regarding my "almost" 81-yr-old mother in law.

She was prescribed Aricept just one week ago by her PCP. The doc said she wanted my mil to take a "memory" pill. MIL doesn't have AZ, but does definitely have ongoing dementia problems.

I'm getting ready to do some research as, since she's been on the Aricept, she has had a different (negative) demeanor. More aggressive. I'm puzzled by it, too.

Anyone? Aricept side effects?