Sedation Drugs Taking Lives of Dementia Sufferers

Hospital patients and nursing home residents in growing numbers are suffering strokes brought on by antipsychotic medications which are given to keep them sedated.

On Thursday, Dementia Commissioning Pack had published by the Department of Health who had stated: "Thousands of people across England who are living with dementia are taking antipsychotic medication that they do not need and that could possibly harm them".

The statement continues on to relate that fact that there is evidence in which alerts them to the fact there are clinical situations where a time limited prescription of antipsychotic drugs may be required. However, they further note that these drugs are most of the time over prescribed and continued when the use of alternative therapies would be of greater benefit. They further note there is a clear case for a major decrease in use of these drugs by using more alternative therapies in which are known to maximize quality of life for persons with dementia.

Over 600,000 people in England already have degenerative brain conditions like Alzheimer's disease.

A report which had been published in 2009 had estimated that 180,000 people who endure dementia are prescribed anti-psychotic medications however, in as many as 150,000 they are being taken with no warranted need, most of the times to keep these people silent in nursing homes and hospitals. That is still not the worse part of it all. These medications are suspected to magnify other medical conditions and accelerate mental decline. Estimates indicate that these drugs led to 1,800 senseless deaths every year. They also believed to cause 1,620 strokes half of which are severe.

In the July 20011 issue of Archives of Neurology, notes a published study in which states in physicians commonly prescribe anti-psychotic medications to elderly people with Parkinson's and psychosis with many of them also having dementia.

Also noted for the United States a study conducted by researchers of Sanford University School of Medicine and University of Chicago had discovered that many prescriptions known as atypical antipsychotic medications do not have strong evidence that these medications in all actuality do help at all. The costs incurred by Americans for these drugs are in the billions along with the fact they could cause serious health effects such as diabetes and heart disease.

The following therapies may be effective in the treatment of dementia:

Acupuncture

There have been numerous studies that have looked at the use of acupuncture to treat dementia associated problems such as insomnia and depression. All of the studies had reported positive results.

Reflexology

Some cases have indicated that reflexology can be effective for dementia. In 1994 China Reflexology Symposium Report had concluded foot reflexology was effective to relieve symptoms associated with dementia such as insomnia and improved memory.

In April 2008 study conducted on nursing home residents had concluded that reflexology was found effective in reducing stress among its residents with dementia.

Herbs

Gingko demonstrates the best proof for treatment in early Alzheimer's and vascular dementia. Recommended dose 40 to 50 mg at three times daily. If you take blood thinning medication do not take this herb unless it is supervised by your physician.