Did Ibuprofen help alzheimer's patient?

[miles 2 go]

I take care of my mom. She's pretty advanced Alzheimer's to the point of having to be bed, totally incontinent, can only walk a bit with someone.

Well, mom has been getting worse, to where I am having to spoon feed her more often than she will take the bowl and spoon and feed herself. She falls asleep much throughout the day.

I gave her Ibuprofen because I thought if I ached so much at 50, then shep must have aches at 75.

After a few days on this me and my husband both noticed a big improvement in her. She's awake and alert much more of the day, and tries to feed herself much more frequently than not.

One day she was sluggish and we came to realize that she had not had the ibuprofen that morning. We gave her some and she perked right up.

Some of these results may be because she was in pain and the pain med just made her feel better, but it sure looks like it's more than that. It's much more effective than the nemenda that she takes.

I'd like to know if anyone else has similar results
Do you have someone like her in your care? or know someone who does? I'd sure like to know if anyone else has these type of results.

It's not going to work if your Alzheimer's person is still up and running around on their own, (no doubt trying to escape to that childhood home) I don't think. Though I will be interested in anyones observations.

I'm going to be posting this a few times to get anyones attention so sorry about that in advance.

[Richard D]

1. Yes, it can help . . .

. . . in prevention, but there is danger of causing kidney disease.

Here's some google stuff: http://www.google.com/search?q=ibuprofen+alzheimer%27s&sourceid=navclient-ff&ie=UTF-8&rls=GGGL,GGGL:2008-29,GGGL:en

It's part of the idea that Alzheimer's could be in part caused by inflammation. It's also possible that turmeric could help as much or more and not have any side-effect risks. Alzheimer's is very rare in India, where Turmeric is a major part of the diet.

http://www.google.com/search?q=turmeric+alzheimer%27s&sourceid=navclient-ff&ie=UTF-8&rls=GGGL,GGGL:2008-29,GGGL:en

[miles 2 go]

3. thanks for the info

will be checking that out.

[KT2000]

2. Inflammation!!!

I don't have any scientific evidence, but I do have an understanding of certain brain injuries. I believe that many of them are the result of inflammation in the brain. This does not come from infection, but rather certain exposures that are able to get through the blood brain barrier. These exposures cause contaminants to enter the brain where they will affect a previously injured area of the brain with an inflammatory response. Like hitting a sore thumb with the hammer.\

Ibuprofen as we know is an anti-inflammatory.

My personal experience is that I had clearer thinking, alertness and memory when I was taking ibuprofen daily. I do not have Alzheimers, but another condition that resulted in a brain injury. Had to give it up though because it interacts with a new med I was put on.
Thinking seriously about dropping the new med and using ibuprofen again.

[miles 2 go]

5. thanks for your story

I was thinking that it may be because of the inflammation but really didn't expect such a noticeable improvement. It's better than the med they give her.

[KharmaTrain]

4. It Can Help With Blood Thinners

My sincere best wishes to you in a very tough time for you and your family.

My mother also suffered from Altzheiemers...she was afflicted for nearly 4 years and can not just relate to what you're writing, but still feel it.

A lot depends on how advanced the Altzheiemers is as to how effective a drug can be. In our case, my mom suffered from small strokes and used both blood thinners and Ibprofen to cut down on any more deterioration. It definitely cut down on her discomforts and some days she was more lucid than others. It's hard to determine if it helped her cerebral capabilities.

I would suggest you contact a local support group. In Chicago, we have the Les Tuner ALS foundation that offered a lot of information and support, so I could better understand what was happening and to provide as much comfort for my mother. Also, I worked with a local hospice...I was able to keep my mom in her home for most of her illness and these folks were of great help going through the toughest times.

Again, here's wishing peace to you and your mom...

[miles 2 go]

6. thanks

I've had mom for five years now. In some ways she's easier now because she can't try to leave all the time. It's still very hard and I couldn't do it without my husband. We hope to keep her in the home til she actually dies. Of course everything depends on how things go. My husband went ahead and took an early retirement so we could take care of her.

We hope that we will be able to do whatever we have to to keep her home. She could have a heart attack or something of that nature and die prematurely but if not, we are just going to keep plugging away. I'm sure she would have died in a home by now and of course her quality of life is pretty low so it would be in some ways better to let her go. I'm selfish though and am not ready for her to go.

She laughs, eats and doesn't seem in obvious pain.

[KharmaTrain]

11. Enjoy Every Moment

You're doing the right thing...but I'm sure you know that. No two cases are the same. I come from a medical family and my brother, who is a neurologist, admitted that for everything they find out about this illness, the more questions it raises. He believes that ultimately bio-genetics will come up with ways to treat and possibly retard this illness. While, unfortunately it's too late for our moms, it may be there for us.

I was able to keep my mom at home until her final 3 months...she was being tube-fed and bed-ridden. I had brought in some extra help, but it got too much for both of us. I was fortunate to find a very good hursing center where she had a private room that we converted, as best we could, to look like her own bedroom (moved in furniture, TV...even a phone). I musta gone through 500 crossword puzzles and watched unless, mindless shows during those final months, but always made sure that a friendly face was always around. Even to the end, while she could barely talk, I knew she was in there and that I was taking care of her.

We were fortunate to have the resources to do this...I've seen many who weren't as fortunate...prisoners in their own bodies...and, most tragic, all but forgotten by family and friends. It's very difficult to see someone who you remember so vibrant and full of life as a shell of themseles. It takes a special person to care as you are doing.

Peace and strength to you...

[miles 2 go]

17. Wow. That was very cool

the way you converted the room and all.

It is very sad to watch them go downhill like that. Robbed. People say "they can't take away your memories" I say "yes, they can"

Mom was possibly the best person that I have ever known. She was widowed, had a baby born dead and then the parents of her young husband connived and took her living child because they had lost their son. She was 17.

She married my dad later. They loved each other but he was very 1950's dad. Strict, womans place,cheater, beater etc. Her life went downhill. Had five of us kids snd then two more still borns. My brother was injured as a child by pulling a pot of coffee on him. The fever fried his brain somewhat. She lived with that guilt. Another brother died at age 29. My dad died 10 months after that.

But mom never lost her faith. She would help people in need. I don't remember her ever really feeling sorry for herself or doing much complaining. Most people loved her. They all called her Mama. I don't hear from any of them now. Mom is for me, the perfect picture of how someones heart should be. She was never selfish and always her kids were first. She was just a good person.

THat's why I care for her now. She was my best Friend for many years. I love her. (I miss her too) She was a better person than I will ever be.

[DesertFlower]

7. my mom has dementia.

aside from high blood pressure which is under control, she's basically healthy. however she has auditory hallucinations. they're pretty bizarre, but they're real to her.

she's still able to live on her own. we bring her groceries and she keeps the apartment really clean.

because she lost 7 lbs in 6 months, doc thinks she should be in assisted living or a nursing home. that would kill her to have to give up her privacy. and for what, to prolong her miserable life.

[miles 2 go]

8. Yes, unfortunately the will eventually put her

in a home or make someone take her in.

Moms pretty bad and I don't want to let her go yet. THey wanted to do a lot of testing on her. I said why? SHe has Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. So what if you find something else like cancer? She's going to die anyway. Why go looking for something else? She had no symptoms that would suggest other problems so why charge her shitloads of money to look for something that might kill her?

I used to drive two hours to get moms groceries when she still stayed in her home. Had two brothers, a nephew and niece that lived there (no help)but I had to go try to take care of her as I could. One day she agreed to get in my car and I brought her home. It was sad for her but she had gotten to wandering and it was just too dangerous for her.

My brother who is mentally handicapped came with her.

We always knew we would have to take them in someday, but honestly we thought we would get like a ten year period between our kids leaving and mom and my brother coming. Early onset Alzheimer's, so we got no time with just the two of us. Oh well.

Fortunately we don't work so we can do it. Otherwise, we wouldn't have much choice.

[DesertFlower]

9. my mom lives 25 miles away.

we wanted her to move closer, but she likes it where she is. if i didn't have my husband i would have to put her in a nursing home. i have severe chronic fatigue syndrome. sometimes i'm too ill to do her shopping. he does it and brings it to her.

i have a sister in vermont who my mom won't talk to and another one in canada. i get moral support from the one in vermont. she lived near my mom most of her life until they had a terrible fight. that's when my mom moved here 5 years ago. she was fine then. it seems once the dementia started, it progressed quickly. i'm disgusted with my family. my mom raised my nieces and they don't call her. one came for thanksgiving and said she would come 2x a year. in june i offered to help her with her plane fare, but she didn't come. she claims she wants to take my mom next year when she moves to SC. she's in DC now -- can't leave until next summer. i told her recently that if she doesn't call my mom that mom is going to forget her. the thing is when they call and that includes my sister in canada -- they keep telling mom how much they love her. i say "bullshit -- words are cheap". the sister in canada has not called since christmas. before that it was 1-1/2 years. she claims that she tries to call but that mom doesn't answer the phone. well yes, that happens sometimes. you just have to keep calling. eventually you'll get her. mom sometimes stays up all night and sleeps in the day.

well i hope things go well with your mom.

[miles 2 go]

10. My family was the same way

They lived there in her town and I begged them if they would each just stop by once a week, she would be able to stay in her own home longer, would be safer and would deteriorate slower. But they wouldn't do it.

Now, we start our days by cleaning moms butt. We can't really leave much coz she would have to go with us and it's a real hassle.

The real kicker is that with the Alzheimer's, she lives in a certain period of her life. One that was pre-me. She remembers my brothers who don't call to check on her, but doesn't know who I am.

Ahh well, she likes me. WHoever the hell I am. lol

Good luck with your mom too.

[elleng]

12. Well, I like you too, miles!

Maybe its 'Saint' miles?

[miles 2 go]

14. thanks. Actually, It's my husband who is the saint

Even my doctor says so. He took in my mom and my brother and most people agree that just putting up with me alone puts him in that category. They mean before I got sick. A couple of years ago, I got real sick with a particularly bad sickness a year ago. I was on life support, ended up in a wheelchair and a trache. He had to literally lift me on and off the pot, suction my trache and do everything. I have recovered for the most part (no trache, no wheelchair) but am much weaker than I was. He does a lot of moms care still.

He never complains either. Most women would have had to go to a nursing home if they needed as much care as I did alone.

Anyway, thanks for the compliment. I'll have to pass it on though.

[enough]

13. Miles, there's a great internet forum for Alzheimer's caregivers.

I wonder if you have ever visited this site:

http://alzheimers.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/frm/f/214102241

I took care of my aged father (87, with Alzheimer's) and mother (with vascular dementia) for a couple of years, first at their home, then at home with us. During that time, I think I might have gone crazy if I hadn't had that forum to keep me company and guide me. This is the place where the people in the caregiving trenches go to get together. Most of the folks there are taking care of parents or spouses with Alzheimer's at home.

I have never run into a more open minded, more compassionate, more humorous group of people. There is no subject that can't be discussed there. During the time I was taking care of my parents, these people were a life line for me.

All the best to you and your family.

[miles 2 go]

15. thanks

I might go check that out. I was especially frustrated in her doctor in that they never could or would give me any real info on what to expect. WHile I know each one is a little different, I don't really know how long to expect her to live or anything like that. SOmetimes I wonder if the doctor has that much experience with Alzheimer's (though he is one of only a few in the area that deals with them) He once ordered her a urine test because I said she was more feisty. I thought I made it clear that it was the med he started her on.

Well, you don't just get someone like her to pee in a cup ya know. It was not in my mind appropriate to put her through a catheterization to get a urine sample for that. I didn't have it done.

I wish mom had been able to be older when she got it. Heir's was early onset so she was really robbed.

thanks for the info and well wishes.

[enough]

21. That forum is a wonderful place to go for all kinds of information and

shared experience. Whatever you are wondering about, large or small, there are people there who have been through it and ready to "talk." I learned so much there. I really don't think I could have done it without them. A number of the posters there are nurses and other health professionals. Also lots of links to "expert" resources. But the main resource is all the experience and understanding that the caregivers bring.

[Coventina]

16. Dear miles

I just had to respond to your post. I don't have any helpful information, but I just wanted to tell you how much I admire you and your husband.

My mother died of dementia (hippocampal sclerosis) 5 years ago. She was ill for 10 years prior to that. So I know very well what you are going through, and how hard it is.

We kept my mother at home as long as we could, we didn't want to put her in a home. But she kept getting away from us (she was very young and strong and quick). We lost her a few times, and the last time she was found in a remote, desert area. Our case worker told us that for her own safety, she needed to be in a secured facility. It was heartbreaking, to say the least.

Take care. I'll be keeping you in my thoughts.

:hug:

[miles 2 go]

18. thank you very much

I understand the getting away from. We chased down mom a few times in those early years. She seemed able to go 24/7 and the whole time was spent trying to leave. Trying to get back to a childhood home that no longer exists.

We put bamboo curtains over the doors, to disguise them so they wouldn't remind her to leave. We got cameras and motion detectors and alarms for all the doors. Fortunately she was put on a medication that made her sleep at night.

We put the alarms up because she got away from me once. The police found her on a busy street. They wanted me to put her in a home, but we tried the alarms and that worked. It was very sad knowing that she wanted out of here so very bad. Covering up the doors also did help.


She would get somewhat violent with me too back then. Her medication helped that. I don't know what we would have done if that stage lasted much longer. I think she is easier to take care of now.

She's now wheelchair bound so we don't have to run her down or prevent her from leaving. She is totally incontinent. We have to move her every couple of hours, help her eat or feed her, and make sure she gets plenty of fluids. Still beats watching her try to leave.

We mostly just move her around depending on where I'm going to be. I talk to her and she laughs with me so it's not all bad.

My brother isn't much to care for yet. I make most of his meals, make him shower, do his laundry and he does the rest. I am really scared about him getting alzheimers. Could you imagine a mentally handicapped man with alzheimers too? What have I gotten myself into? lol

[tannybogus]

19. Enbrel May Help Treat Alzheimer's

Alzheimer's runs in my family too.
I saw this recently. If I have symptoms, I'll ask to be shot up with
Enbrel. It does have side effects:
http://www.enbrel.com/important-safety-information.jsp

http://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/news/20080721/enbrel-may-help-treat-alzheimers
:hi:

[miles 2 go]

20. I'm going to have to check that out too.

Namenda is the only drug she's actually on besides the ibuprofen that I've been giving her lately. It's quite amazing the amount of "other" things that seem to help more. I think I will comprise a list and try them all. I should get a few videos of her now and then every so often to help me see any differences.

I know this one is not a natural alternative type thing but if it's not currently being used for Alzheimers but appears to work, then it actually is one of the "other" things.
thanks for the info