More - Namenda for cognitive/memory issues
I forgot to mention that my hubby has been on Namenda for about 5 years also. It is an Alzheimer's drug but he feels it helps him some with cognition. He was on Tysabri for about 1-1/4 years but it triggered his manic depression - very high right after the infusion then gradually crashed to bottom before the next infusion. He was mean and loud and threatening. Of course, the neuro claimed no one had ever had that reaction but I don't believe it. He definitely had more energy right after the infusion but the up and down was horrible. On Copaxone he actually developed more lesions plus it's not known for helping cognitive or psychiatric problems associated with MS anyway. The interferons are notorious for causing severe depression (we know people who have attempted suicide on those drugs) so they can never be a part of his treatment.
Another problem - he's not the only one in this house with health problems and that's an issue most doctors and other health care professionals seem to forget. I also have painful and limiting diseases so I resent the attitude that the MS is the only issue in our life. He does sometimes like to use it as an excuse for bad behavior anyway. Unfortunately, people with one autoimmune disease such as MS often do have other autoimmune diseases and he's one of them. Treatment for one disease messes up another.
Somehow, we need to present a combined voice to the Society to deal with these mental issues and stop sweeping them under the rug. And, that includes the anguish and mental effects that we as care partners also experience.
I forgot to mention that my hubby has been on Namenda for about 5 years also. It is an Alzheimer's drug but he feels it helps him some with cognition. He was on Tysabri for about 1-1/4 years but it triggered his manic depression - very high right after the infusion then gradually crashed to bottom before the next infusion. He was mean and loud and threatening. Of course, the neuro claimed no one had ever had that reaction but I don't believe it. He definitely had more energy right after the infusion but the up and down was horrible. On Copaxone he actually developed more lesions plus it's not known for helping cognitive or psychiatric problems associated with MS anyway. The interferons are notorious for causing severe depression (we know people who have attempted suicide on those drugs) so they can never be a part of his treatment.
Another problem - he's not the only one in this house with health problems and that's an issue most doctors and other health care professionals seem to forget. I also have painful and limiting diseases so I resent the attitude that the MS is the only issue in our life. He does sometimes like to use it as an excuse for bad behavior anyway. Unfortunately, people with one autoimmune disease such as MS often do have other autoimmune diseases and he's one of them. Treatment for one disease messes up another.
Somehow, we need to present a combined voice to the Society to deal with these mental issues and stop sweeping them under the rug. And, that includes the anguish and mental effects that we as care partners also experience.
Comment