New York Times
By LAURIE TARKAN
Published: June 24, 2008
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Laurie Tarkan writes in todays New York Times on the misuse and overprescription of drugs in the treatment of dementia
The use of antipsychotic drugs to tamp down the agitation, combative behavior and outbursts of dementia patients has soared, especially in the elderly. Sales of newer antipsychotics like Risperdal, Seroquel and Zyprexa totaled $13.1 billion in 2007, up from $4 billion in 2000, according to IMS Health, a health care information company.
Part of this increase can be traced to prescriptions in nursing homes. Researchers estimate that about a third of all nursing home patients have been given antipsychotic drugs.
The increases continue despite a drumbeat of bad publicity. A 2006 study of Alzheimer’s patients found that for most patients, antipsychotics provided no significant improvement over placebos in treating aggression and delusions.
Link to read this article
Source: New York Times
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To encourage and help teachers become more involved and enthusiastic about “inclusive teaching”, the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) recently funded an action research based project. Action research can be explained as making changes and studying the impact of those changes in order to bring about an environment where students feel included in their learning process.
According to the project’s Co-director Dr Susan Davies, of Trinity College, Carmarthen, “Action research is an opportunity for teachers to look at their practice, reflect on it, and improve on it.” [continue reading…]
As an everyday emotion, anxiety can be a good thing, prompting us to take extra precautions. But when anxiety persists, it can undermine our physical health. Evidence suggests that people with anxiety disorders are at greater risk for some chronic medical conditions.
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How simple H2O is keeping elderly folk fit and healthy.
A year ago, 88-year-old Jean Lavender used to find walking any distance a struggle.
Now she is keen to get outside for a walk most days.
And she puts the transformation down to the most simple of medicines – water!
Link to this BBC video
Source: BBC News
By Jane Hughes
Health correspondent, BBC News
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