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Aricept used for memory problems?

Page last modified on: October 13, 2008
Question from HVC: My primary care physician has me on Aricept for some memory problems. Is this becoming standard treatment for chemo brain, which is what he thinks caused the memory problem? I also have concerns about what insurance agencies may think about people being on such a medication in the future, and how it will affect purchasing long term care insurance, etc. Thanks.
Answer —Beth DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S.: I do not believe that Aricept (chemical name: donepezil HCI) medication that is being used for memory problems after chemotherapy is standard practice in oncology care. This may have been a medication that your physician chose to use for you at this point in time to try and counteract some of the side effects that you may have been having in your therapy. I would certainly discuss this with your physician and I do not believe that it should affect your ability to purchase long-term insurance.

On Wednesday, September 20, 2006, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Open for Your Questions. Ruth Oratz, M.D., F.A.C.P. and moderator Beth Baughman DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S. answered your questions covering a wide variety of issues relating to breast cancer.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Ruth Oratz, M.D., F.A.C.P.Ruth Oratz, M.D., F.A.C.P. is associate professor of clinical medicine at New York University School of Medicine. She is the founder of The Women's Oncology & Wellness Practice in New York City where she specializes in treating women with breast cancer and other malignancies, as well as women at risk for cancer. 

Beth Baughman DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S.Beth Baughman DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S. is a general surgeon. Her clinical practice is located at Holy Redeemer Hospital and St. Mary Medical Center.

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