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Wrong drugs used in dementia, experts say
The debate over drug use in dementia patients continues apace. A New York Times article today trots out the stats--about one-third of nursing home patients have been prescribed antipsychotics, for instance--and reviews the evidence that antipsychotics new and old are overused in patients with dementia. Experts told the paper that they should be used as a last resort to calm patients who are self-destructive or violent.
As you know, several states are suing makers of atypical antipsychotics, alleging false and misleading marketing. The U.K. is reviewing use of the meds in dementia patients. And the FDA recently added a warning of the increased risk of death among dementia patients who use old-style antipsychotics; the atypicals have carried such a warning since 2005.
While antipsychotics might be overused, there's a class of drugs that may not be used enough: antidementia meds like Eisai's Aricept and Novartis' Exelon. Up to 20 percent of Alzheimer's patients noticeably improved on the drugs, and 40 percent more showed some cognitive improvement that wasn't as readily apparent. Plus, some nursing homes are trying nondrug treatments. Simply by paying more attention to residents, these facilities are getting results. The problem is, they're time-consuming--and thus expensive.
- read the NYT story
Related Articles:
Painkillers little help against dementia
U.K. scrutinizes antipsychotic use
Enbrel, antipsychotics draw warning fire
Comments
By Anonymous | Posted 10:41am | June 23, 2009
Hello,
I composed this letter on Saturday June 20,2009.
My dear grandmother turned 102 on May 26th, 2009. She has been in a nursing home for about 14 months. She had early signs of dementia but for her age I did not think it was out of the ordinary. She wasn't on any medication until 3 weeks ago, she was put on morphine and seroquel. She has dramatically deteriorated and is not eating, cannot open eyes, heavily drugged. I finally got my father to realize this is due to the drugs. She hasn't eaten. My father called and wants all med's at this point stopped. I know 102 is very old but to die like this is awful and we should give our elderly more dignity. Nonna died on Monday June 22nd approx. 3wks after these med's were given to her. People should be more aware of this kind of medication and its serious side effects. I truly believe serequel killed her.
By Anonymous | Posted 3:25pm | June 23, 2009
Number 1. NEVER put anyone in a nursing home (there are other options).
I am truly sorry your mother passed, and you are 100% right...in that the SEREQUEL did indeed cause her demise and the combination of the *other* drugs as well.
Nursing homes make $$ by giving these unsuspecting and innocent people drugs. It is the same with doctors as they ALL make $$$. The most important thing to remember is that ALL pharmaceuticals & the FDA'S ONLY concern is that they PROFIT. Go online and research *Disease Mongering*, educate yourself about the corruption and collusion in regard to the pharmaceuticals & the FDA. Then go to:www.naturalnews.com and become informed, educated and tell anyone and everyone what you know and then have them tell everyone they know. Please know that almost every pharmaceutical drug will cause HARM and/or kill. The moor people are *Hooked* on these dangerous synthetic drugs, the more $$$$ they will make, and that is their ONLY premise: To keep Americans sick!
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