3rd post from January 2009 - MEDICATION

Today is January 4, 2010, below is my 3rd post for January 2009.   David's medications are the same except for the addition of Axona, which I added to this post.

January 4, 2009

I believe that David starting on medication as soon as possible was imperative . David's on Aricept and Namenda, each twice a day.   When he went to Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, they prescribed Aricept twice a day, and we'll continue doing this, until we see a decline. I really believe this has held his Alzheimer's at bay longer ........ He also takes Omega 3,  C and E, Men's Multi-vitamin, and Axona (coconut powder).

We've been lucky/blessed that David's never had any negative side affects from his medication, only good.

After he started on Aricept and Namenda,  I could see his sweet disposition returning.   I think  for him to know his diagnosis,  and not have to pretend or cover up his actions or feelings,  made life easier  for him too.

I think it's really important to have a full stomach when you take the pills. David eats a big breakfast, the same each morning.....sounds boring, but he loves it. Old Fashioned oatmeal with 4 prunes and honey, orange juice, coffee, and 2 slices of whole grain toast with peanut butter. After eating all of this, he then takes a Namenda and Aricept. After eating lunch, he takes his vitamins, and in the evening, after dinner, he takes a Namenda, Aricept and Omega 3.

Struggling to perform any type of task (when it was so easy in the past), can make the difference in a good day or a bad day for him.   I try to always be aware if he's having any problems with a task; if I can help him before he gets confused or frustrated, it makes a big difference. When he tries to do something over and over, it can change the entire aspect of how he feels about himself. I try to act very casual about helping him ..... I just happen to be walking by......and help him. When he does make a mistake, we laugh, and we've had some good laughs.

Back to real time, January 4, 2010.......and I say, "thank you God for medications!"

MEDICATION

We believe that starting on medication as soon as possible is imperative . David's on Aricept and Namenda twice a day. Insurance will only cover Aricept once a day, but he went to Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, and they prescribed Aricept twice a day, and we'll continue doing this, until we see a decline. I really believe this has held his Alzheimer's at bay ........ He also takes Omega 3, C & E, and a vitamin, Cerefolin.
We've been lucky that David hasn't had any negative side affects from his medication, only good.
After he started on Aricept and Namenda, we could see his sweet disposition returning. Knowing the diagnosis and not having to pretend or cover up actions or feelings, made life easier too.

I think it's really important to have a full stomach when you take the pills. David eats a big breakfast, the same each morning.....sounds boring, but he loves it. Old Fashioned oatmeal with 4 prunes and honey, orange juice, coffee, and 2 slices of whole grain toast with peanut butter. After eating all this ...... he takes a Namenda and Aricept. After eating lunch, he takes all his vitamins, and in the evening, after dinner, he takes Namenda, Aricept and Omega 3.

Struggling to perform any type of task (when it was so easy in the past), can make the difference in a good day or a bad day. I try to always be aware if he's having any problems with a task; if I can help him before he gets confused or frustrated, it makes a big difference. When he tries to do something over and over, it can change the entire aspect of how he feels about himself. I try to act very casual about helping him, ..... I just happen to be walking by......and help him. When he does make a mistake, we laugh, and we've had some good laughs.