Joined: 7/24/2015
Posts: 3020
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"Researchers discovered that for people who carry a specific genetic variation -- the K-variant of butyrylcholinesterase, or BChE-K -- donezpezil could accelerate cognitive decline."
Journal Reference:
Louis De Beaumont, Sandra Pelleieux, Louise Lamarre-Theroux, Doris Dea, Judes Poirier.
Butyrylcholinesterase K and Apolipoprotein E-e4 Reduce the Age of Onset of Alzheimer’s Disease, Accelerate Cognitive Decline, and Modulate Donepezil Response in Mild Cognitively Impaired Subjects.
Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, 2016; 54 (3): 913 DOI: 10.3233/JAD-160373
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Joined: 11/9/2016
Posts: 44
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Why do they prescribe it.. My dad was prescribed this and I am a bit scared to let him start it?
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Joined: 11/29/2011
Posts: 7027
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It is prescribed because testing has shown that it delays progression the disease. Yes, there are types of dementia or certain genetic factors that influence if a particular person should take it. This is why most of us on the boards say you should be seen by, usually a neurologist, whose main practice is dementia.
Yes, some folks have side effects.Sometimes the subside within a short time Varying the taken can be changed. For those who develop GI issues, try a lactose free diet. And there are alternates available.
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Joined: 7/24/2015
Posts: 3020
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Most people do well on Aricept....providing it started low and tapered up very slowly, giving body time adjust it.
Because doctors have no way of knowing *what* dementia a person has, not really, they start everyone on it...and wait and see if anyone have adverse reactions. Adverse reactions...namely, paradoxical worsening of dementia, is a sign not only stop it immediately...but that one of the dementias that are made worse by it ARE what you or your loved one has. Indeed, that is one of the ways they dx those dementias.
Aricept does not affect the disease process itself....it simply adds more neurotransmitter work with. Sort of like oxygen for bad lungs. The improved functioning for longer is WHY we take it....and this in turn helps CGs....it has been said that Aricept can keep people functional until the last moments. So, I guess it up you how much sooner you want do transfers the toilet...or how much longer you want him be able walk the toilet himself.
As far as drugs go, it a rather benign drug...it not like anti-depressants or anti-anxiety meds which are far more serious meds, that can seriously mess with you.
But, I also think it useful get the genetic test and see if you are one likely benefit. Indeed, this is one of the most helpful benefits of genetic testing is seeing how you individually do on various meds. I know that 23andMe.com offers a rather extensive genetic testing for $100. I did this years ago, and it was amazing what I learned from it...including how antibiotics affect me. And that I am a fast metabolizer of caffine...which might explain why I could drink so much coffee when I was working.
Hope that helps.
<3
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