Hi Alesya...
I take Donepezil... it was suggested by my clinic doctor... I was keen to try anything, in fact I still am!
If this has had any impact on me, I don't know! My family watch me like hawks and they seem to think I am different, but then again... they think I'm different every day! If you know what I mean!?
Reading the research and asking the questions... Donepezil is all there is. Some say that Donepezil works, some say not and some research even suggest that it can speed up the decline of dementia... so you just take your choice!?
I have moved from waiting for this magic moment when someone shouts... we have the answer! because that isn't going to happen. However, I do think there is an answer, and this is the same for many other medical problems.... diet, exercise and for use mental stimulation.
I've just read, 'The End of Alzheimer's,' by Dr Dale Bredesen. This follows a lot of common research and theories of today... tomorrow.. there may be another idea. I'm not saying this book gives you everything, but it has change my life.. I now have something to live for and this gives me the greatest thing.. Hope!
There are no major revelations here... seems to me that it is much about common sense, but what it does do, is back up what he says with clinical research. It involves changing your diet, looking at maintaining a balance of nutrients in your body, exercising and a big one... mental stimulation.
As a part of this, I believe that medication can have a detrimental impact on things like dementia and I intend to try and come of most, if not all my drugs over the next two years. I have told my doctors this and ask for their support. As long as I'm able I will work to this goal, one of many goals I now have.
The possible benefit of this is very much to do with when you start to make the changes... the earlier the better and I think there is a time when this, or anything will help and I call that the tipping point. I think most people on the outside recognise this moment, if people on the inside, like I will be, know it.... I'm not sure!
I have had memory problems and strange problems with writing, spelling and space, for a long time, before 2000 and went to the doctors many times asking for help! I was a teacher then... and guess what... stress was the cause... so they said.. Stress was the in thing then!
I was diagnosed in 2017. This year I have changed my life and learning to live for as long as I can..... is that what we all have to do!?