Talk to me about Alzheimer's meds.
 

Sooo...what do you know about Alzheimer's medications being used to treat MS cognitive problems?

I'm feeling pretty desperate right now. :eek:

While I don't have a formal degree, I've worked for over 20 years in the semiconductor equipment manufacturing industry as a development/startup engineer.

I was laid off 5 years ago, during a big downturn in the industry.

I didn't plan to stay off work for three years, but a shoulder fracture/dislocation followed by my husbands head injury (ski accident), followed by my MS diagnosis...well...

Two years ago I took a part time job at a "nano" start up. It morphed into an "almost" full time job.

Almost a year ago I accepted a full time job at a solar start up. The job is just a technician level job (I was worried about handling anything more demanding) at 10K less than I was working for 5 years ago, but came with a options that could potentially be worth alot if I stay at the company long enough, and the company eventially goes public and does well.

Here's the problem. I'm having a VERY HARD time thinking. Organizing thoughts...planning out my day...note taking...

I even have a piece of equipment at work (a scanning electron microscope - SEM) that is ancient! I used this exact same model at my last full time job 1989-2003...but everytime I sit down to use it...I have to get out my notes...cause I draw a blank. Today...I just kept flipping through my notes 'cause I couldn't find the right part.

Anyway, I could go on and on. And I plan on calling the neuro on Monday. I typically see him when I'm in crisis. I want to make an appt. to see him when things are more relaxed so that we can brain storm.

But here's my question. Has anyone used any of the Alheimer's drugs to enhance mental clarity/reduce cogfog??

I know a good friend of mine with MS had good results with Aricept.

Cheryl,

My neuro tends to be pretty conservative when it comes to "new" treatments, but I've found that if I can come in with "info" he tends to listen in a different way than if I just say "I've heard..."

When I mentioned "solumedrol smoothie" he just rolled his eyes. But on a different visit when I specifically asked for 1 gram of powdered solumedrol, reconstituted in O.J., taken orally for three days as opposed to IVSM for the same time frame, and referenced an article by Dr. Cree at UCSF, I got it with no problem.

I know it's an imposition...but is there anyway you can find out the dosing information for the Aricept that your friend takes?

If you can get me some dosing information, I can probably find some articles.

Bottom line...he won't prescribe if he doesn't think it's a good thing. But right now, I really need to make sure he understands that this isn't a "whim", or a fad that I want to follow. I'm starting to question how long I will be employeed if I don't do something to make sure that I am "value added".

Thanks for any info you can send my way...

I've been reading info on Lipoic Acid (anti-oxidant). It is reported to help strengthen a weakened blood-brain barrier and may help memory. May also benefit Alzheimer and Parkinson patients.

Victorya

When I talk to her, I will ask her. In the meantime, let me see what I can find out...have you done a google search?

http://www.webmd.com/multiple-sclero...iple-sclerosis

and here's a clinical trial regarding Aricept and MS...you might want to check into this one, they are recruiting!

http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/N...erosis&rank=65

Cheryl,

Since I've posted this, I've been searching. It looks like the starting dosage is 5 mg for a certain time frame (possibly 4 weeks?) then bumping to 10 mg.

I've read the WebMD article (in addition to about 12 others), and have the randomized clinical trial data from American Academy of Neurology. The summary is positive but slightly confusing. It said that Donepezil (Arecept) showed significant improvements in memory performance, but... "The patients did not show significant improvements on cognitive tests..."

But later "The clinician also reported cognitive improvement in almost twice as many donepezil vs placebo patients (p=0.036)."

Again, the whole "cognitive" thing going on...who knows what it really says :confused:

Thanks for taking the time...

Thanks, Sheryl. I've been taking Alpha Lipoic Acid for awhile now. I read the same info that you did (I think) and hoped that it might help. I haven't seen any improvement...but I haven't stopped taking it, either. I figure it can't hurt:o

victorya,

i've been taking namenda for several months.
i was really bothered by forgetfullness etc.
i've noticed a real improvement in my thinking and memory. not perfect but much better.

it took at least a month before i noticed anything. maybe 6 wks.
i take a 10mg tablet twice a day. i started lower and worked up.

you can probably google this med or ask your pharmacist for the drug company insert.

good luck.

I would love to talk to you about these meds but I can't remember how to spell Alzheimers and can't remember the names of the meds.

Sorry! :confused: