I've been on 5mg of Aricept for some months (3-4). I, briefly, increased to 10mg
but, after two days, found the side-effects to invasive and went back to the
earlier dose (subsequent to discussing it with my Neurologist).

Now, even at the lower dose, I'm tempted to drop it altogether (if teh Neuro
agrees :-).

Why?

While it does seem to make my thinking clearer, I  think it has little effect on
my short term memory (how does one prove that, I don't know). I am quite unable
to carry out 3-4 instructions from my wife without forgetting the last 2 or
three. That is, focussing on carrying out the first, washes the others out of
memory.

On the other hand, I think the Aricept has reduced the frequency, somewhat, of
forgetting what I'm saying/writing.

I have said some of this before but am restating it because....... forgot :-(

I am trying to train myself to use notes..... but it's a slow process  :-)

I know I'll get some agitated replies about dropping the Aricept but it is, in
fact, out of my control. For continued cheap supply, my Neurologist has to
notify the government that a second MMS (or whatever that short memory test is
called) indicates improvement in memory since the last one. That is, reasonably,
to only supply high cost medications if they are effective for the person in
question.

While I can, I'll try to continue posting here. It does me some good and I hope
it is useful for you carers out there to have some feedback from somebody who
has the disease but can still communicate the experience (and also because I've
got little else to do - I'd love to get some work editing but haven't been able
to...... yet.

Hope you are all sober by now :-p

-
Mod as a hooter!