Alzheimer`s Disease/Aricept and namenda

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Expert: - 7/1/2010


Question
My mother has been taking Aricept for over a year. Two months ago her doctor prescribed Namenda.  Now that she is taking the two medications, she is drinking close to a six pack of beer a day. I am unable to see any progress since she has been taking the medication, as a matter of fact, she repeats herself more than ever and does not remember yesterday at all. I need to know if alcohol should be mixed with this medication.

Answer
Hello Deborah,

I strongly suggest you let her Primary care physcian know that she is drinking while taking these medications.   Alcohol usually null and voids the benefits of those medications; therefore, she would not gain any help from them.

Call the doctor as soon as you can.

Best Regards,

Michalene Peticca, MA

Alzheimer`s Disease

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Volunteer

Michalene Peticca

Expertise

I'd be happy to help with any questions about Alzheimer's or Dementia diseases. I can also help with Medicare, Long term care & other insurance questions.

Experience

I have my Masters degree in Geriatrics and am credentialed through the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Pennstate Milton Hershey hospital and the American Geriatrics Society. I've been in healthcare for over 20 years and worked directly with Alzheimer's and Dementia individuals for most of that time. I am also a licensed insurance agent in PA and MD. Currently i train healthcare professionals to care for Alzheimer and Dementia individuals and i have been a care manager for guardianship services in PA

Organizations
American Geriatrics Society

Education/Credentials
Masters degree in Geriatrics Licensed insurance agent in PA & MD.

Past/Present Clients
PHI Homes in Pennsylvania York, Dauphin & Adams County Area on Aging The Jewish Home of Harrisburg

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