Hope

September 15, 2011


On Tuesday, we had an appointment with Dad’s primary physician. The pharmacy called him for a prescription refill and he needed to see Dad before he could write it. I was shocked to realize we hadn’t been in to see him since last March! For the fist time in longer than I can remember, Dad’s health has been so stable. We go to a number of specialists… cardiologist, urologist, oncologist, hematologist, gastroenterologist, dermatologist… they monitor what’s going on in their particular fields but his primary keeps an overall picture on his health and mental state.

I went in armed with a list of observations and minor concerns. It didn’t take long for the doctor to decide it’s time for us to add another Alzheimer’s medication to the lengthy list of daily meds. While his health has been stabilizing, his mental state has been rapidly deteriorating.

On Wednesday, we started Namenda (Memantine). ***Memantine is used to treat the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Memantine is in a class of medications called NMDA receptor antagonists. It works by decreasing abnormal activity in the brain. Memantine can help people with Alzheimer's disease to think more clearly and perform daily activities more easily, but it is not a cure and does not stop the progression of the disease. (courtesy of PubMedHealth) ***Note that it must be used in conjunction with other Alzheimer’s medications (most frequently, Aricept).

Since it will take 30 days to get the full effects from it, I am watching Dad closely for any changes as well as possible side effects. I hope it can help him (even if it’s only for a little while). Dad is unable to perform the simplest of tasks now. For example, if he decides to take the trash out he may take the can to the back porch and empty it but forget to bring it back inside. Or he may bring it back to the kitchen but forget to put a trash bag in it. Twice he has attempted to put the big swinging lid into the dishwasher and once I found a full bag of trash sitting on his bed. Another example, he tries to set the table but asks at least 4 or 5 times, “How many of us will there be for dinner?” NEVER will there be an entirely correct table setting. Napkins, forks, spoons, (we only use knives when it’s absolutely necessary with Dad and 4 kids at the table) glasses, etc. something is always missing somewhere. And there is a 50/50 chance that he will simply wander back to his chair in the living room mid-task, forgetting what he was doing. To relieve his embarrassment and frustration, the boys go behind him and correct each place as needed and they now make the drinks for everyone.

It is so frustrating to be in the kitchen trying to get dinner for 7 or 8 people ready and hear, “Let me know if there is anything I can do to help!” dozens of time each evening. Knowing that there truly isn’t anything he can do to help without him getting frustrated and confused which leads to hostility and anger. With Alzheimer’s, you are in a constant no-win situation. I can’t imagine anyone who is sweeter or wants more to help than Dad. He is grateful for all that I do and tells me repeatedly every day. He tries so hard to do what he thinks is the right thing, and like a child, he glows under praise and positive reinforcement.

I am hoping this medication will help him enough to allow me to assign simple tasks to him. He NEEDS to feel useful. It gives him purpose and makes him feel like he is a functioning member of our household. It helps to keep him connected. Moderate Severe Stage Alzheimer’s comes equipped with disassociation and my goal is to keep him connected with every aspect of life for as long as possible. Our road is hard but we are walking it together and as long as he lives, I will continue to have HOPE. Hope that he can have a few more really good days and a few less really bad days. Hope that I can slow down the progression of his disease. Hope that he will always know that he is loved…