Medications

Common medications prescribed for dementia include:

  • Aricept(Donepezil), Exelon (Rivastigmine), Namenda (Memantine), Razadyne (Galantamine)
  • These medications can have significant side effects:
  • Excessive slowing of heart rate, lowering of blood pressure
  • Increased issues with digestive tract: nausea, decreased appetite, weight loss, altered bowel movements. All of which are likely frequent problems at this time
  • Sleep disturbance

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There is good reason to consider stopping these medications:

  • They were started early in the course of dementia to help with cognitive function
  • At the time hospice care has been chosen, the dementia has reached its end stage and these medications are very unlikely to be of help
  • As the dementia worsens and overall condition and health decline, these medications can be causing harm ( as outlined above )
  • The purpose of hospice treatment is to maximize comfort at the end of life, and these medications are likely not helping to achieve this goal at this time

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  • It is worthwhile to speak with your Hospice Team about if and how to stop these medications
  • Do not stop them abruptly. They need to be 'tapered' off over a couple of weeks

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