There’s no question you want the best for your elderly parent. You’ll do whatever it takes to keep them as safe and healthy and comfortable as possible. So if there’s a medication available that might be helpful for them, you want them to have it, right? 

Well, maybe not so fast. 

There’s actually serious debate about whether dementia or Alzheimer’s patients should be medicated; some experts feel it just prolongs their suffering. Since there’s currently no cure, the best you can hope for is some reduction or delay of symptoms. 

Here’s a rundown on the pros and cons of giving medication to an ailing parent with Alzheimer’s.  

PROS

1. Symptom Management: Medications such as cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., Donepezil, Galantamine, Rivastigmine) and Memantine can help manage cognitive symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease in some cases. These drugs may improve memory, thinking, and behavior, providing some relief for both your parent and yourself. But the jury is still out on the effectiveness in each patient. 

2. Delaying Disease Progression: Some medications have been shown to delay the progression of dementia or Alzheimer’s, allowing patients to retain cognitive function for a longer time. This can provide extra time for you and your family members to make necessary arrangements and enjoy meaningful interactions with your parent. Although there is currently no evidence to suggest that Donepezil (also known as Aricept) or Galantamine (also known as Razadyne) can alter the progression of the disease, it can improve cognition and behavior, reducing certain symptoms and improving the overall quality of life.

3. Reducing Caregiver Burden: Effective medication management can ease your burden by minimizing your parent’s challenging behaviors. If your level of supervision and assistance can be reduced, you’ll  have more time to tend to your own physical and emotional well-being. Examples include anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medication like Ativan.

CONS

1. Limited Efficacy: Medications for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are not a cure, and their effectiveness varies from person to person. Your parent may experience minimal improvement or no change in symptoms despite taking medication, leading to frustration and disappointment.

2. Side Effects: Like all medications, those prescribed for dementia and Alzheimer’s can have side effects. Common side effects may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and dizziness. In some cases, these side effects may outweigh the potential benefits of the medication, prompting discontinuation.

3. Financial Cost: Medications for dementia and Alzheimer’s can be expensive, especially if they are not covered by insurance. The financial burden of long-term medication management may be prohibitive for some families, particularly if resources are limited.

4. Ethical Considerations: There are ethical concerns surrounding the use of medication to prolong the progression of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Some argue that artificially extending life in the face of progressive cognitive decline may be prolonging suffering rather than promoting well-being.

To sum up, the question of whether to medicate a parent with dementia or Alzheimer’s is complex and multifaceted. Some will view medication as a means of providing comfort and enhancing the quality of life, while others may see it as prolonging the inevitable and causing unnecessary suffering.

There is no right answer. If it comes to it for your parent, you’ll want to consult with their doctors and make the decision that feels correct. And if you do choose to go with medication, it seems vital to monitor its effectiveness; if it’s not improving your parent’s life, it probably doesn’t make sense to continue. 

Which means this issue is just like every other aspect of caring for your elderly parent: you gather as much information as you can, make the best choice as you see it, then track the results as you continue to keep them safe and comfortable and maintaining their dignity.