Suggest Treatment For Weakness And High Fever In An Alzheimer's Patient

Posted on Fri, 23 Jan 2015

Question: My dad XXXXXX aged 70 years is suffering from Alzheimer disease (diagnosed about 2.5 years back) and have been taking medications as suggested by neurologist. The memory loss in the last one month has been accelerated and he is suffering from weakness and occasional high fever. Wanted to get a second opinion on the current medication and see if anything else can be tried to alleviate the pain. Thanks, XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (28 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Medications seem to be along correct lines.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for posting your query.

I have noted your father's diagnosis, his current symptoms and medications.

He seems to be on correct medications. It is known that Alzheimer's disease (AD) progresses despite starting treatment. Also, medications seem to work mostly in the first few years.

Donepezil and memantine are the main drugs for treating AD, which are contained in ALZIL-M.

Cognivel also is useful in improving memory and cognition.

Tetrafol plus contains vitamins.

Telmisat is used for lowering blood pressure.

As of now, same medications may be continued.

In addition to medications, he should be made to exercise (walking, etc) and also engage in mental activities (such as chatting with friends or relatives, watching news, etc).

I hope my answer helps. Please get back if you have any follow up queries or if you require any additional information.

Wishing you good health,

Dr Sudhir Kumar MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Hospitals, XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
Click on this link to ask me a DIRECT QUERY: http://bit.ly/Dr-Sudhir-kumar
My BLOG: XXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sudhir Kumar (35 hours later)

Thanks Doctor for your encouraging words. I have attached some older reports, do you think any further tests are required or we just continue with the same medication and exercise as suggested? Thanks again

Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
No further tests are needed at present.

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for getting back.

I have seen the blood reports and all look fine except for low vitamin B12 level.

In addition to current medications, a few doses of vitamin B12 injections (methycobal) would also help.

No further tests are needed. I am assuming that brain scan has already been done.

Best wishes,

Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar