[Tonette]

Hi, I am new here and I am sure this has probably been discuss before at some point but do any of you think that giving medication is just causing more sufferig because it is prolonging a state of confusion? I am beginning to believe that giving the AD patient medicine is just so the caretaker feels as if their are 'doing' something. It seems to me that just trying to have a peaceful environment and tremendous patience with a person (my Dad) who is well aware that their abilities are diminishing.

My gut tells me that statins more than likely caused the dementia in the first place, I have decided to take my Dad off the statins and Galantamine for five months now. He has not had any schizophrenic delusions since, he does get a little anxious in the grocery store but not bad (he knows strangers but not family and will greet people in the store and want to start conversations) and yes I can only give him one instruction at a time and even then he might not understand what I am saying. He can still swallow, walks slower, does not know how to entertain himself, wants to be near people (especially wants to feel like he is one of the guys which is hard since I live on a farm and usually keep to myself).

As I watch this disease progress I am convinced that should it happen to me I would not want to take meds and just live until I can not function any longer, just die naturally. Most people do not seem to understand this and think I am not taking care of my Dad the way I should but I don't think it's right to give him pills that will keep him in this mental agony any longer than he has to. I am trying to enjoy the good days and working with him on the bad ones.

[Leesa]

I have not seen what the meds do to people with the disease, but after hearing what you had to say I applaud you for doing what you did!! If either of my parents had had it, I would have done the same thing! Good for you. I agree - why prolong it? It's a selfish thing to do, and only makes their misery last longer.

God bless you for having the "guts" to do this, and to do what your heart told you to do. I have a lot of respect for that. I'm sure your Dad does too. Take care. Hugs, Lee

[tamiloo]

First wanted to welcome you to Neuro Talk
I care for my hubby who is in his 25the year since diagnosed with MS. I do understand not wanting to have your Dad take pills that don't really help only prolong.

There are pills I won't allow my sweetheart to be on because of what they do to him...sometimes I get a weird look from the doc but after all these years I think I know what will help him...without all the side-effects.

You take care and keep in touch!!

[tied]

I believe you are doing the right thing and I am one of those who understands. You go with your gut. Medicine is somewhat lawsuit driven and geriatrics is frontier medicine anyway. I can also relate to being a hermit. My Dad & I are both that way.