Alzheimer`s Disease/exelon patch and stroke

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Expert: - 12/3/2011


Question
My 84 yr old grandfather has been using the Exelon patch.  He recently suffered a L CVA.  For the last 48+ hours he remained very alert and oriented but unable to speak or move his R side.  The hospital re ordered his patch and now he seems confused and agiated.  Could there by any correlation between his new onset of post-CVA confusion and reapplying the patch?

Answer
Hello Michelle:  I'm sorry to hear about your grandfather's decline.  I'm sure it's very scary for the entire family.  
This would not be a known side effect of the Exelon patch, however there is really no way to tell if it is due to the patch unless you discontinued it again and the symptoms went away. If your grandfather is having strokes, one likely explanation could be that he's had another stroke and that is what is causing the new symptoms.  Another explanation for the symptoms could be that he has an infection of some kind, possibly a urinary tract infection.  His doctor should be ruling that out by taking a urine sample, and if no organic reason can be found to explain the confusion and agitation, then you can discuss stopping the patch again.  Good luck to you Michelle as you help your grandfather on this troubling journey.  Cindy

Alzheimer`s Disease

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Cindy Keith, RN, BS, Certified Dementia Practitioner

Expertise

As a nurse and dementia consultant, I can answer most questions on all types of dementia. If I cannot answer your question, I will attempt to find someone who can. My passion is to help caregivers of people with dementia, which in turn helps all those wonderful elders with dementia live better lives. When caregivers are better educated, they are able to better care for themselves and their loved ones, so education is key to decreased stress levels and healthier, happier families.

Experience

I have worked as a nurse in various disciplines of nursing for over 20 years, most of which was with the elderly. I was a health care coordinator in a dementia dedicated assisted living facility for 4 years before I started my own business (M.I.N.D. in Memory Care) as a dementia consultant six years ago. As a dementia consultant, I help families nationwide through phone conference calls as they struggle to care for their loved ones with dementia.

Organizations
Alzheimer's Foundation of America Geriatric Interest Network Sigma Theta Tau International

Publications
Published "Love, Laughter, & Mayhem - Caregiver Survival Manual For Living With A Person With Dementia" which is a collection of stories about people with dementia I have known, loved and worked with. Every story has a lesson to teach and this book gently teaches family caregivers lessons about how to better care for their loved one, as well as themselves during their caregiving journey. Published "Love, Laughter, & Mayhem In Eldercare Facilities: The Master Key For Dementia Training" Created "Bringing Nurturing To Memory Care" staff dementia training video Created Ebook: "Hair Stylist's Helpful Tips For Working With People With Alzheimer's & Other Dementias"

Education/Credentials
Registered Nurse with Bachelor's degree in Nursing; Certified Dementia Practitioner; Author of 2 books and an ebook

Awards and Honors
Sigma Theta Tau National Honor Society of Nursing

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