Mailbox Response

The question was submitted Monday, 24 August 2009

Subject: Effects of Reminyl

My mum has been taking Reminyl for about the last 5 years. This drug is meant to slow down the progress of dementia and enable people to do things independently for longer. As mum was no longer doing anything independently, and was not getting any benefit from the Reminyl, it was suggested she stop taking the drug. Surprisingly, since stopping the medication, she has improved slightly - she is more alert and aware, she is getting out of bed/showering without resistance and also walking better. I realise this improvement is only temporary, until she deteriorates further, but I wonder why stopping the Reminyl would have this effect?

Answer from DementiaNet

Reminyl is a one of three available cholinesterase inhibitors and these drugs have a stabilising effect on brain function. The stabilising effect eventually wears off and memory and functional status decline as the disease progresses. It is however thought that people who take the drug long term do a bit better than those who have never been on the drug. These drugs also can cause side effects such as poor appetite, nausea, headache, sleep disturbance and runny nose. It is possible that your mum had developed a side effect that she did not report to anyone and when the drug was stopped she felt better. It is quite common for people to deteriorate after stopping these drugs. The presence of a side effect that resolved on cessation of the drug is the best explanation for what has happened.

The answer was published on DementiaNet Friday, 11 September 2009