Drugs but no diagnosis

Posted under Blog on March 14th, 2012 by Editorial Team / No Comments

A new report by the UK patient group The Alzheimer’s Society has revealed that six in every ten dementia sufferers remain undiagnosed.

This revelation sadly also diminishes the excitement of last week’s news; that Alzheimer’s sufferers can benefit from drugs longer than first thought. It was previously believed that anti-dementia drugs were effective only in the early stages, but work at King’s College London has shown medication to remain effective even in the severe stages.

However, the UK seems to be in the midst of an epidemic. Not of Alzheimer’s but, as The Daily Telegraph reports, a case of ‘therapeutic nihilism’. This is the belief that it is pointless trying to help an individual with Alzheimer’s and consequently individuals are not encouraged to visit their GP.

Although currently there is no cure, treatment can make a real difference to someone’s life but only if doctors get to see the patient.

For more information on the early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s please explore this site.

 

Tags: Alzheimers, cure, dementia, treatment

 
Alzheimer's, dementia and the campaign for dignity

Posted under Blog on March 5th, 2012 by Editorial Team / No Comments

A new draft report has stressed the need for change in regards to care of the elderly.

The report by the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) Confederation, Age UK and local Government Association says that dementia and Alzheimer sufferers are among the elderly who are most failed and neglected by the UK’s national care system.

It concludes that a one-size-fits-all model is not working with staff compassion and understanding replaced by tick lists and red tape.

The report highlights the importance of the individual and urges the care system to deliver its service with an improved level of dignity.

For example, empowering staff with dementia training will not only improve understanding but allow elderly to be cared for in a manner that is suitable to their needs; ensuring individual preferences, fears and personalities become the priority. 

Click here to read the Alzheimer’s Society comment

Tags: Alzheimer's, care, dementia, dignity, elderly, NHS

 

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