Comments on: Ritalin May Help Alzheimer’s Patients, Too

By: john felts

john felts — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 20:23:08 +0000

we should proceed cautiously with this trial. These drugs have profound effects on the CNS and using them on the elderly could cause cardio\pulmonary\adrenergic reactions of a severe nature. Also the fact that geriatrics are typically on many other drugs could exacerbate these side effects.

By: NoFixinIt

NoFixinIt — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 07:27:50 +0000

I’m sorry that your experience was so horrible, Brenda. I am at the beginning of my AZ life trial, but there are so many factors to consider for each individual. I would not want to hinder anyone from at least TRYING different options, even medicinal ones. I know for a fact if my mother did not have an interest in ‘tending’ her ‘family’ after the suicide of my brother, things would be much worse. Best to you and everyone who deals with this disease on a regular basis.

By: Brenda

Brenda — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 00:21:28 +0000

My Mother had AZ. The absolute last thing I would have wanted as her primary caregiver was for her to have been ramped up in any way. Honestly, it’s as if these people have never actually given one on one care for someone who is mentally impaired. My Mom was physically in great shape but had the judgement skills of a 4 year old. She ran into traffic, would approach strangers to try and take their children, would walk fast without looking down and therefor tripped on concrete and asphalt multiple times. And this was with me right beside her. She did not believe there was anything wrong with her and there is absolutely no reasoning. As her disease progressed and she became apathetic and withdrawn, it was the first blessing of the disease. Does it make me a horrible person that I was glad that by 83 my mother finally settled down? I would have been driven over the edge if a doctor had started her on ritalin in her 70′s and that calming had been delayed. This is a horrible disease. But without an actual cure those of you who are just starting this journey should listen to one who followed the path for 14 years: The single biggest regret I have was placing her on the existing AZ meds and slowing the progression of the disease. She was as trustworthy as a 4 year old for several extra years. It did nothing but take several of the years from my life and most of my retirement savings. A cure or nothing. Do not drag it out. It benefits no one.