Donepezil. Now, how would you pronounce that? “done-PEZIL?” WRONG! The fact sheet that came with the little bottle of innocuous looking pills that I picked up the other day says it’s (doh-NEP-eh-zil). OK. But, how bad can that be?
Well, not that bad, I guess. Until you read the first couple lines of the fact sheet: “Donepezil is used to treat confusion (dementia) related to Alzheimer’s disease. It does not cure Alzheimer’s disease, but it may improve memory, awareness, and the ability to function. This medication is an enzyme blocker that works by restoring the balance of natural substances (neurotransmitters) in the brain.”
The emphasis, by the way, is mine. And, who knows, it might work long enough so that I can describe how this process begins to unfold. Before I become a . . . what? A drooling insentient slumped in a chair in the corner of some nursing home? Or, the homey euphemism favored by the industry that caters to those with dementia: a “memory care neighborhood“?
Oh. Did I Mention The Side Effects?
Of course not. I forgot. But I just remembered to check out that part of the fact sheet: “Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite/weight loss, dizziness, drowsiness, weakness, trouble sleeping, shakiness (tremor), or muscle cramps may occur as your body adjusts to the drug.”
Additional possible side effects? Nightmares. Yeah, I think I can relate to that during the last few nights. At least if my memory isn’t playing tricks on me. (You, I presume, know how crazy dreams can be.) But the good news? “These effects usually last 1-3 weeks and then lessen.” And the really good news? So far, so good-at least as far as I can tell. But I’ll be on the lookout. And keep you posted if things change.
A bit of snooping on the internet turned up additional information. “Donepezil appears to result in a small benefit in mental function and ability to function. Use, however, has not been shown to change the progression of the disease.” And then this: “Treatment should be stopped if no benefit is seen.”
So, Where’s That Leave Me? Besides A Rumbling Gut.
In a word: curious. That’s why I just set an appointment with the doctor to go over Donepzil’s “small benefits” and how, if at all, the drug might actually help.
But what can I say? I suppose this, ripped from a dementia website I stumbled upon from merry old England (where dementia has become the leading cause of death):
Progressive brain cell death will eventually cause the digestive system, lungs, and heart to fail, meaning that dementia is a terminal condition. Studies suggest that, on average, someone will live around ten years following a dementia diagnosis. However, this can vary significantly between individuals, some people living for more than twenty years, so it’s important to try not to focus on the figures and to make the very most of the time left.
And finally? This. The Grim Reaper is going to get me. One way or another. And the real question is whether I’m ready to meet my Maker. And the answer? Certainly not. At least not on my own merits. But on the merits of Christ? Absolutely. What other choice do I have?
🙂🙂🙂