Family Discussions about Alzheimer's Treatment

You may find that some family members, especially those who do not live with or near the patient, are reluctant to believe there is a problem or a need for treatment.

Here are some concerns that may sound familiar:

• Older relatives, especially spouses, may feel the person suffering from Alzheimer's disease is simply experiencing the changes associated with aging and that younger caregivers are exaggerating symptoms. Additionally, a spouse may not want to believe the person they love is suffering from Alzheimer's. Since they are often not the person doing the Alzheimer's research, they do not understand the information and do not want to discuss and/or even accept it.
• A child or other family member who doesn't live with or near the patient may not be witnessing Alzheimer's symptoms and therefore can easily deny there is a problem.
• Family members are worried about drug interactions, because most often people with Alzheimer's disease are already being treated for other diseases.
• Some family members may be concerned because they may have heard that Alzheimer's medications do not work or that they have side effects that outweigh the benefits.
• Some family members may believe that treating the person with Alzheimer's disease may be just putting off the inevitable. Alzheimer's medications like Namenda^® (memantine HCl)* can help treat the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, but not the disease itself. Sometimes for this reason alone, family members often back away from even considering Alzheimer's treatment options.

Knowledge is power. If you take the time to discuss concerns and possible solutions, family members can help make care giving easier and more manageable.

Discuss the Benefits of Namenda

A person suffering from Alzheimer's disease may have many people who love and care for them. However, there is often one person who takes on the primary Alzheimer's caregiver responsibilities. Share what you know about Alzheimer's treatment options. For example:

• Namenda has been proven to treat the symptoms of Alzheimer's in people with moderate to severe stages of the disease. ¹
• Every day that symptom progression is delayed is a day patients may enjoy more independence and caregivers may spend less time providing direct care.
• Namenda has a low rate of side effects and drug interactions. ^2,3
• Namenda has a low incidence of gastrointestinal side effects, including diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. ^2,3
• Namenda is covered by the majority of private health insurance plans and Medicare Part D plans. When choosing an insurance plan make sure to check that the drugs you take are covered. For more information about Medicare Part D, visit www.medicare.gov, or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

Going Forward

When talking to family members about Alzheimer's treatment options, keep in mind that everyone has their own opinions.

• Be sure to allow each member of the family to share ideas, feelings and concerns.
• Discuss Alzheimer's information you all have learned from the doctor, websites and books.
• Agree to talk on the phone often to share feelings and concerns.

Once you are thinking the same way, you can work together to discuss symptoms, diagnosis and treatment with the goal of building consensus. By caregiving as a team, you can ensure the best for the person you are caring for – now and in the future.