Alzheimers medication debate
by Jane Wood
The UK Medication Debate (Alzheimers is not N.I.C.E. )
I have been working with people and carers of people with Alzheimers on and off since the 1980s. As a staff nurse in a Day Hospital in the UK I found that there was very little that we could offer the sufferers other than attempting to keep people comfortable, fed and sedated. Often symptoms were made worse when infections or constipation was present but it was very d
ifficult to work these things out, and apart from providing relief for the carer we did little for them at all. We had a good group of staff and provided activities. We introduced hand massage and even Tai chi at one stage which apparently helped to calm people, but no obvious measures could be found. I then started supporting carers of patients with Alzheimers in 2004. The situation at first seemed much the same except people kept mentioning the "new tablets". I was amazed to find that a few people I visited who had started on Aricept actually seemed to be improving, which I had never seen before. I could have normal conversations with people diagnosed with Alzheimers and indeed it made me worry at times that my 'word-finding' difficulties were worse than theirs. This latest ruling from N.I.C.E. amazed me. I had seen people deteriorate on "the tablets" but much slower than predicted. Isn't putting off the inevitable for even a short amount of time much more compassionate? Maybe N.I.C.E have actually done sufferers and carers a favour by giving them a reason to get together and feel their power.
Still the emotional turmoil associated with this illness persists despite the" new tablets". One of the ways that I discovered that carers and sufferers can benefit is by taking Bach Flower Remedies. These help the emotional disturbances that can be present during this illness. The beauty of them is that they have been used for a long time, are very safe and easy to take and do not react with prescribed medication. You are in control of what you take and they work (when you get the right mix).
My observations of what has helped people in these circumstances are: 1. Ask for help. 2. Find people in similar circumstances (through Alzheimers Society etc.) 3. Look after yourself. 4. Take a break. 5. Do things you enjoy doing 6. Take appropriate Bach Flower Remedies, (available on my web site www.alzheimershealthhelp.com)
Alzheimers and all similar diseases can feel dreadful but if we get together and pressure researchers and the medical teams hopefully the next generation may not have to go through the same experiences.
Jane Wood, c.2006
About the Author
A nurse with experience of working with Alzheimers and related diseases in the U.K. Has an interest in complementary medicine and now has a web site based on Bach Flower remedies treating thiese complaints.