Several years ago when my Mom was diagnosed...she was put on Aricept. We were told at that time this was a 9-month medication. I'm not sure if that still holds true.

Did we see an obvious difference in her? I don't think so..........p:rolleyes:

The neurologist who prescribed aricept, and then some months later namenda for my husband's dementia (symptom of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus) told me it probably wouldn't work but wouldn't do any harm either. Neither the aricept or namenda made the slightest difference, after a couple of months they were stopped.

Strange that this topic should come up...

A few weeks ago in a visit to a physician, I was told if I could obtain genetic testing through a local medical school (teaching hospital), that if I have a genetic 'pre-disposition' to alz, that she would presribe me aricept now (I am 48, with no symptoms, mom is 83, with stage 7 alz, in nh). I cannot find anywhere info to support what she said. Your post is the first I saw of anyone else taking aricept before dx w/alz.

If anyone knows anything about this alleged 'genetic testing' I would be interested in info. Apparently it is still in 'trials' phase, so I think that means they don't even know if they have found the 'genetic marker'.

Just thoughts.

Dear Jen,

Considering the side effects it had on my Mom, I would stay away from Aricept with a 10 foot pole -- 20 feet if you don't even have the first symptom. Even if there is a genetic marker, and you have it --- that does not mean you have to get it. It only means the tendency to get it is present. I read somewhere that a large percentage of AD victims have no family history of it at all.

I would say no thanks, and live and enjoy my life, not worried about what may happen to me in my 80s! Besides, didn't we all hear that Aricept only works for something like 7 months? You would be taking it for several decades! I don't know who would profit from this .... outside of the drug manufacturers .....

Love,
Martha

The reason I even asked About it is the doctor has given my father aricept and told him that his testing came out pretty good they are just waiting on the MRI So she gave him the drug just in case and if he has the begining stages of alzheimer it would help and if he doesnt it wont hurt him...I just find it hard to beleave that a drug like that wouldnt do any harm if you take it and dont have anything wrong with you

Robin...what a great question you've brought up! It's really interesting what has been posted in response.

As I mentioned before...my Mom's time on Aricept was only for the 9 months recommended. My FIL also had the 9mo Aricept treatment...MIL was given Reminyl (made from daffodil bulbs!)...and the pharmacist was surprised she was given Reminyl because it was supposed to be for very early stages.

When I finally accepted Mom's diagnosis...I tried to research EVERYTHING I could! One thing that really stood out to me was the 2 main instances for an Alzheimer's diagnosis............(1) hereditary, and (2) a severe bump on the head sometime during a persons life.

In the case of heredity...it seems diagnosis was made in the older siblings of larger families much more often. ( perhaps needed stimulation in the brain didn't happen when Mom tended to younger siblings ???)

The bump on the head is a scary one! Yup! Mom was tossed off a motorcycle and unconscious for a while long ago. (Boy! That was my 1st thought when [SIZE="4"]I came to a few years ago after slipping on ice and falling face down on the sidewalk! Both eyes blackened...nose pushed to side of my face...chipped teeth...broken arm...BIG bruise and indentation on forhead!)

You know...there's a reason doctors are called "Practitioner's"...........I just don't like 'em practicing on my loved ones.....................Pam:(

I am another one that would be predisposed according to the information. My grandmother had ALZ, my Mom is her oldest child and now had ALZ. Several of grandmother's sisters also had ALZ. I am the eldest. I also have a father with vascular dementia from strong vascular deficiencies in his family. What chance do I have????

I did talk to the MARS research group that diagnosed Mom. That was less than 2 years ago and they had no knowledge of genetic testing. They were researching early detection thought cognitive changes. They did suggest that I could come back when I reached 57 for testing. I do understand that many of the currect drugs seem to be more effective the earlier they are given. I also understand how much thy truly do not know about this disease. I have been so involved with caring for Mom and Dad that I have not had the time, energy, or inclination to go back just to see where I might be on the possibility scale.

I watched mom dread the possibility of having this disease (it was her worse nightmare) and the denial she fell into once she realized it was a reality. I truly believe that I would want to know and do foresee a time when I will try to find out. I have always been of the mind set that I can deal with what I know easier than what I don't know.

Neither Mom nor Dad has any major side effects that we can determine from Aricept or Namenda. I am not sure it was effective in doing what it was supposed to do either. Dad's dementia was misdiagnosed for years as ALZ when in fact it is not. Mom his her's until it was too late. I do question what would have happened if she had been diagnosed earlier but the most it could have given us was a little more time because the outcome is always the same. I just hope, if it is my fate, that I can be more like my Dad. It is something I think about, but don't dwell on, and comes from years of dealing with this horrible disease.

love, deb