Mum has Alzheimer's and was prescribed Donepezil. This seemed to work really well at slowing down the progression and she remained on this for 4 years. It was then stopped by the hospital a year ago as a heart problem was identified and they stopped it in case it was the cause of the problems. The heart problem continued though, and Mum then had a lengthy hospital stay during which time the Donepezil was not reinstated. The hospital dementia team said they would look into having it reinstated but this didn't happen prior to Mum's discharge. Following discharge she was seen by the mental health team who said that they would wait until the heart problem was resolved before restarting any dementia medication.
The heart problem is now resolved but I have just seen a copy of the latest mental health team report and they have now discharged Mum back to the GP - without any dementia medication. The report states that they would see Mum again but only on receipt of a GP referral.
I just wondered if there comes a point when dementia medication is considered to be no longer worthwhile? I'm aware that Donepezil is not necessarily recommended for moderate/late Alzheimer's but other medication such as Memantine can be effective. It seems strange that medication that might help to slow the progression is not being considered.
The heart problem is now resolved but I have just seen a copy of the latest mental health team report and they have now discharged Mum back to the GP - without any dementia medication. The report states that they would see Mum again but only on receipt of a GP referral.
I just wondered if there comes a point when dementia medication is considered to be no longer worthwhile? I'm aware that Donepezil is not necessarily recommended for moderate/late Alzheimer's but other medication such as Memantine can be effective. It seems strange that medication that might help to slow the progression is not being considered.