Hi All,
I am new to all this (AD and forums) so please bear with me!
My mum was diagnosed with AD 6 weeks ago, although she herself had thought there was something wrong 2 and a half years ago!
The doctor at the memory clinic suggested mum went on donepezil 5mg a day for a month then 10mg a day. Since then we have not had any contact with the specialist or a GP ( a dementia nurse is supposed to be contacting us after 6 weeks but not heard anything yet!).
Since the diagnosis mum has seemed to be depressed (understandably!) and is constantly saying she doesn't feel right. when asked in what way she just says she is so very tired. She seems to sleep well at night, gets up quite late (9.30-10) but says she feels like going back to bed. Sometimes I persuade her to go out for a walk, when the weathers brighter, which she seems to enjoy and has even suggested walking a bit further on warmer days! However as soon as we get back home she sits in the chair and starts nodding off. Quite often she will say she needs a lie down and goes upstairs to bed and falls asleep for 2-3 hours! She will still want her supper and start getting ready for bed about 10pm and seems to nod off as soon as her head touches the pillow!
Could this be the donepezil or is it just progression of the disease?
I know she is in the early stages but I am finding it difficult not to lose my patience when she keeps saying the same things, showing no interest in any housework, keeps putting things in unusual places etc.
It is just me and mum no other relatives/partners/close friends. I live with mum and work part-time. My work colleagues have been very good and put up with my moans and have offered shoulders etc. but I don't like to impose too much as they all have their own lives and families.
I am feeling so pathetic as I am finding it so difficult now and know things are going to get much worse. Is any of this normal? Is there such a thing?
So sorry to waffle on I was only going to ask about the tablets!
If anyone has read all of this thank you!!!
I am new to all this (AD and forums) so please bear with me!
My mum was diagnosed with AD 6 weeks ago, although she herself had thought there was something wrong 2 and a half years ago!
The doctor at the memory clinic suggested mum went on donepezil 5mg a day for a month then 10mg a day. Since then we have not had any contact with the specialist or a GP ( a dementia nurse is supposed to be contacting us after 6 weeks but not heard anything yet!).
Since the diagnosis mum has seemed to be depressed (understandably!) and is constantly saying she doesn't feel right. when asked in what way she just says she is so very tired. She seems to sleep well at night, gets up quite late (9.30-10) but says she feels like going back to bed. Sometimes I persuade her to go out for a walk, when the weathers brighter, which she seems to enjoy and has even suggested walking a bit further on warmer days! However as soon as we get back home she sits in the chair and starts nodding off. Quite often she will say she needs a lie down and goes upstairs to bed and falls asleep for 2-3 hours! She will still want her supper and start getting ready for bed about 10pm and seems to nod off as soon as her head touches the pillow!
Could this be the donepezil or is it just progression of the disease?
I know she is in the early stages but I am finding it difficult not to lose my patience when she keeps saying the same things, showing no interest in any housework, keeps putting things in unusual places etc.
It is just me and mum no other relatives/partners/close friends. I live with mum and work part-time. My work colleagues have been very good and put up with my moans and have offered shoulders etc. but I don't like to impose too much as they all have their own lives and families.
I am feeling so pathetic as I am finding it so difficult now and know things are going to get much worse. Is any of this normal? Is there such a thing?
So sorry to waffle on I was only going to ask about the tablets!
If anyone has read all of this thank you!!!