Call to action on the use of antipsychotic drugs

6 Responses to Call to action on the use of antipsychotic drugs

1. Karrie Marshall says:

   June 10, 2011 at 4:23 pm

   Thank you for this talk. Over many years, (and throughout my own professional care background), I have met people who are aware of the need to make improvements in services for people with dementia. These include reducing inappropriate medication, improving relationships, and gaining the confidence to inspire better care. Outcomes from my own piloted work with people with dementia, their relatives and staff are exciting. Effective person-centred and creative approaches can increase positive interactions, reduce stress and improve standards of care. So, more than ‘try and see if we can make it happen’, let’s just get on and MAKE it happen. With kind regards, Karrie

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   • Franz says:

     September 3, 2012 at 12:10 pm

     Dementia friendly ciitunmmoes can only be created by educating everyone in what the term Dementia means. Many people are not aware that Dementia is an umbrella term that covers Alzheimers disease, lewy body dementia, frontal lobe dementia and Korsakoffs to name a few. All of these affect the brain in different ways and therefore result in different symptoms. More importantly than this people need to be made aware that a diagnosis of any of the above does not automatically mean certain behaviors are going to be displayed and the disease is going is progress in a certain way. The fact of the matter is we are all individuals and no two people with dementia will have the same experience.The person has to remain at the centre of everything NOT the dementia.I feel very privaledged to be part of an initiative run by Alzheimers Scotland and The University of The West of Scotland whereby by the end of this year 300 NHS and social care staff will have been trained to act as dementia champions. The dementia champions will take forward a positive and person centered approach to dementia care in their workplace and also further afield.I feel it is also important that it is not just NHS and social care staff that are educated on dementia but also shop assistants, receptionists, bus drivers etc as in reality they will come into contact with people who have dementia on a daily basis and the way they respond to people could either make or break a situation for someone with dementia. Cards are available for people who have dementia to carry and present to someone if they are struggling with something but unless the person reading the card has an awareness of dementia they are of no real use.With this in mind perhaps the education about dementia should commence in secondary school as these are the people who will be undertaking the above roles. Having heard a number of speakers give talks on dementia I have found the most influential and inspiring ones were those given by people who themselves have dementia. In Scotland the Scottish Dementia Working Group is paramount in providing this education and insight.There is still a long way to go but speaking from a Scottish perspective (only because I am not familiar with what initiatives are taking place in England) I feel we are making good progress and the above group along with Alzheimers Scotland and The Scottish Government are very much ensuring dementia is something more and more people are gaining an understanding of.

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     • Mohmmed says:

       October 8, 2012 at 2:26 am

       Thanks for your reply Isobel.I totally agree that igrnniog the massive impact that dementia can have on people does no-one any favours.However I would challenge your view very strongly that people with advanced dementia cannot experience quality of life. Forgive me if I misinterpret your comments, but that is my inference.How we value people, how we treat them, and where we look for the spark of humanity in people who are nearing the end of life with dementia will play a significant role in determining their experience. .as of course will their personality, history, relationships, other health problems and so on.With the right support, people CAN experience well-being, a sense of purpose, belonging, that they matter and are loved. This has to be our default position. People with dementia and their carers deserve nothing less.

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2. June Leaper says:

   July 5, 2011 at 2:34 pm

   I have just seen your talk on anti-psychotic drugs. My husband was on Risperidone but after 6 weeks when he began to deteriate I weaned him off. Suddenly on Thursday& Friday he went back into a poor mode where he became very agitated and very bad tempered. He evidently got a carer by the arm at the day centre he attends and now has been
   barred him from attending. They don’t seem to be able to cope with his illness and needs. Is this because of Health & Safety or that they want someone who is on a chemical cosh and doesn’t become a bother to them. I know he is not the only person there for care whilst the carer has some respite but where do I go from here? Other than putting him into full time care what else can I do? He is not ready for that yet.
   Yours sincerely
   June Leaper

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   • Yusuke says:

     September 4, 2012 at 5:37 am

     closely. It appears she has aqiucred the theory without practical knowledge.Most people who have cared for a dementing person with them are very well acquainted with what could be called a person centred approach’ and trying to give the person as good a life as possible. However when looking at how communities can be more dementia-friendly, taking into account the reality of the illness helps. Although it does of course vary in different, there are particular aspects that will be common to many. The way it affects them will depend to some extent on their underlying personality.Most people who have experienced caring for someone with dementia have experienced the many problems, often very traumatic ones, that go along with that. It is a very tragic state.The amount of mental torment in someone with severe dementia doesn’t by that stage leave them a good quality of life; delusions can be frightening, confusing and sometimes threatening in their minds, depending on what form they take and there is very little anyone can do to counter that regardless of day to day experiences. Not everyone develops dementia to that stage but many do. It also depends on stage of dementia, Steve Milton referring to people being diagnosed earlier and using cards etc; for people with insight into their state, at less advanced stage (and hopefully with increasing medication breakthroughs and early diagnosis, more will be prevented from developing further symptoms) I can see they would be helpful. The High Street scheme sounds a great idea as well.

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3. Rugi Timbo says:

   July 13, 2011 at 8:31 pm

   At long last the needs of older people with dementia are being considered. I have worked as a psychiatric nurse for the past ten years and I am very please that services for people with dementia and their carers is on the agenda. Whilst we are focusing on
   Dementia care lets not forget older people with functional mental health problems as well. Lets make it work. Regards Rugi

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