Formal Diagnosis this morning

[Smd1305]

We met with the EMDASS clinic team and my father was officially diagnosed this morning. After a major episode that he had on Xmas day and the general decline in memory and cognitive function - we were not expecting good news.

He has been diagnosed with a combination of Alzeihmers and Vascular Dementia - compounded by the Pulmonary Hypertension and Heart condition which has restricted oxygen to the brain for some time, despite exercise and medication to increase oxygen levels & bloodflow.

He’s made such an amazing recovery since his episode and hospitalisation on the 25th December. (the Dr. mentioned that she was astonished by his mood and general capabilities given that he had such a negative event a little over a week ago). Its a relief to get a formal diagnosis and that he attended the appointment without any issues and underwent the testing without any problems. The old ****** was his charming self and apparently kept standing up everytime the lady receptionist came within a few feet.

He has been prescribed daily dosage of Donepezil. Clearly explained to be palliative not restorative. Next check is in 3 months.

I think we all feel better knowing that at least we can start applying for more support for my mother and father. I think my Dad is somewhat relieved that its out in the open and he’s getting help. I don’t believe he registered that he has Alzheimers. Another irony is that he's now well up for signing an LPOA - I hope its not too late to get a solicitor to process this. The Dr. recommeded we jump on the LPOA - so she seemed to think it would be OK.

The team at the clinic were great. The Nurse that supervised the testing in particular was so good.

We went for a fantastic lunch at a resturant on the river. It was bizarrely like a sort of celebration, minus the drinking Dad tucked into a Chocolate Souffle. One of the side effects of his new condition is a seriously sweet tooth.

Anyway - we’re on the path. I’m very sad that I need to get back to the USA on Tuesday. My brother is also heading back to Jersey. We’re both already planning when to get back. I’m seriously hoping that Ma will start to re-engage with their social circle and friends. Now that this thing is out in the open - my Dad needs to socialise and be active more than ever. I wish we could all live together - but that is going to be a logistical and financial conundrum - given employment, children, schools, universities etc.

Anyone have any experience with early reactions to Donepezil? How long do our loved ones tend to take this for - is it a long term medication or designed to be short term only?

Thanks - and hope everyone is doing OK.

Stuart

 

[karaokePete]

It’s good that you are settled to a way forward.

Donepezil is for as long as it continues to help and doesn’t cause any nasty side effects. Not everyone can tolerate it and even among those that do not all see much, if any, benefit. The most common side effect is tummy upset and we were told to stick with the med for a while when my wife was diagnosed as early issues can settle. My wife feels sick all day if she takes it in the morning but is fine when she takes it when going to bed. My wife gets on well with it and we did see a benefit so I’m all for it as a medication.

My understanding it that this med isn’t a cure and won’t even halt the underlying disease. What it does is it enables the person to make maximum use of the brain power they have left. To this extent it gives the appearance that the person is brighter and more able. After a while like that I noticed my wife continued her decline, but at a slow pace.

I wish your father the best possible luck with that and the future. I think the medication and a positive attitude go a long way.

 

[jenniferjean]

Donepezil is the only dementia medication that my husband has had. He's never had a problem with taking it, and no side effects. I was advised to give him it before bed and that's what I do. His condition is declining but at a reasonably slow pace.

My doctor asked me if I thought he was benefiting from it. Well lets put it this way, what would he be like if he wasn't on it?