11/8/09
I purchased your book several years ago and get your
newsletter by email. Thank you so much for your work in these things and for
getting this info out!
My questions are about alternative treatments for dementia: Grandmother has
vascular dementia and although my parents are caring for her at home, as the
dementia progresses, it is getting almost overwhelming for them now as
caregivers.
Recently Grandmother started weeping almost constantly, and not knowing what
else to do, my parents thought of maybe seeing if the Dr. would give her an
antidepressant. I begged them to check out your site and read about the dangers
of antidepressants. They really would like to try something else and have not
yet gotten any prescriptions for antidepressants, so I'm trying to find
information on some kind of alternative dementia treatment that might work for
Grandmother. Can you recommend any alternative treatments for Dementia?
I saw the word "Behaviour Modification" mentioned in connection with Dementia
treatment, but no practical application as to what that would be. Is that a good
treatment? We don't even know what's normal in dementia-like the onset of the
daily crying-is that normal in dementia?? Are there organizations or websites
that you'd recommend for learning more about this too? Could you steer me in the
right direction?
Thanks so much.
Our Response:
We can understand how hard it must be to care for someone with dementia. Your grandmother is going to need a lot of attention and maintenance, which is why many skilled nursing facilities pump their elderly full of antipsychotic drugs - it makes them comatose and therefore easier to manage (while doing irreparable harm to their organs and brain). Antidepressants would do similar, including creating the desire to kill oneself. Because dementia is a physical disease, a psychiatric drug won't do anything but provide what many call a chemical lobotomy. It is just a band-aid cover.
I worked in skilled nursing facilities, where I witnessed dementia firsthand. Someone with dementia can exhibit many different behaviors and emotions, including crying, depending on how the dementia affects them. The best thing you can do is what your parents are already doing - caring for grandmother to the best of their ability, and hopefully without the harmful influence of psychiatric drugs.
We are not aware of any alternative treatments for dementia. Your best bet would be to consult a medical doctor specializing in dementia, who does not get financial kick-backs from big pharma for pushing psych drugs.
We hope this helps,
Lisa and Ryan Bazler