Expert: Alanna Shaikh - 1/23/2008

Question
QUESTION: Dad's dr. wants me to decide whether to put dad on heart medication. Dad's cholesterol dropped previously with diet, however, it is high now.
 Dad tried Aricept at 1/2 pill and was nauseous, so discontinued for now.  He felt like vomiting... stayed in bed all day and appetite decreasing and that is very unusual for him.
He hasn't had signs of depression.
I am thinking of not having him take Aricept and get on heart medicine?
Hard to make these decisions

ANSWER: Dear Pat,

What kind of heart medication is it? For blood pressure, or cholesterol?

Best,
Alanna

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: As noted, it would be for his high cholesterol.
Nothing mentioned from his doctor as to what medicine.
I have heard of Digoxin and do you have an opinion on that or any other with few side effects.  Safety is a definite factor for my decision.


Answer
Dear Pat,

Anti-cholesterol medicines are well tested for safety. As long as your doctor advises it, I think it's wise for your father to take the medicine. Ask your doctor about a statin drug, such as Lipitor - some initial research indicates these drugs may also help with Alzheimer's.

I agree with you choice about Aricept. If it is damaging your father's quality of life, then he should not take it. Again, though, I defer to your doctor.

Good luck with these difficult decisions.

Best,
Alanna