Im trying to work out the time line for the memantine and loss of mobility.
Yes, I was a bit confused about that so have had a look through Help!'s previous threads and that's been helpful. It seems that the memantine was started in mid-January. Dad was previously on donepezil but this was stopped by Help! due to concerns about possible side effects.
The memantine dosage was increased in mid- February but stopped by Help! as dad had ‘had a funny turn’ 2 days after the dose was increased, with head/neck ache and his legs gave way – he was unable to balance himself and could only shuffle his feet. The doctor advised at that time that it was doubtful that this was connected to the memantine and was possibly due to a minor stroke or the dementia but couldn’t be sure without an MRI scan. At the same time dad was found to have a chest infection so was prescribed anti-biotics with the GP suggesting hospital admission if no improvement. There was a bit of an improvement. Memantine was started again but dad’s mobility has got worse – legs locking up and a swollen foot. Discussed with the GP last Tuesday who again advised it was doubtful that the memantine was causing the mobility problems and mentioned physio. The GP didn’t want to change the medication until the matter had been discussed with the memory clinic but Help! stopped it again last night due to concerns that it was causing the problems.
@Help! I understand your concerns about possible side effects but as has already been suggested, you really need to stop stopping your dad's medication suddenly, without letting the doctor know, as memantine (and a lot of other medication) needs to be withdrawn slowly.
Has your dad had an MRI scan since his 'funny turn' in February, to check whether he has had a stroke? The chest infection could also have caused a deterioration in mobility and a general decline in his dementia which won't improve. It sounds as though the GP is arranging for physio - are they going to contact the memory clinic or are you going to do this? Please think about getting the swollen foot properly checked out via 111 particularly as it is making your dad so uncomfortable.