My partner has been offered medication called Donepezil 5mg. Anyone else have experience with this?

What benefits has anyone seen with taking Donepezil ?

Mom has been taking Donepezil (Aricept) for over a year now, but no apparent side effects.

My mother has been on Donepezil for over a year, with no negative effect. She is 84, and diagnosed with MCI, (Mild cognitive impairment). The word mild is quite deceptive.

My husband takes it with no side effects. I have never heard that it could actually "harm" someone. As Jeannegibbs says, you can try it and stop it if it causes problems

Was the "consultant" a licensed medical professional? If not, I wouldn't be taking advice from him or her.

Diagnosed 6 weeks ago with ...? I assume dementia. Was a specific type mentioned? Alzheimer's?

Personally, I would go with the prescription and watch for side effects. If it helps, great! If there are side effects or it doesn't seem to help, tell the doctor you are discontinuing them.

No drug cures dementia. No drug changes its course or slows it down. But many drugs do help manage the symptoms for some patients. It is worth a try, in my opinion.

I'm sorry the two of you are having to deal with this disease. Many of us here have experience in this caregiving role. Feel free to post again with questions and concerns.