More Training for Caregivers Seen as Alternative to Medicating Patients

A study of whether education and training for caregivers would be more appropriate in managing the symptoms of Alzheimer's than giving their patients drug therapy is being conducted by the Alzheimer's Society and the University of Newcastle, University of Oxford and Institute of Psychiatry, all in the United Kingdom.

Some of the drugs used in Alzheimer's behavior treatment have side effects that may accelerate decline in dementia, according to the researchers.

"Too many people with severe dementia are given tranquilizers to keep them quiet because overworked and stressed care staff are unable to manage the situation," said Dr. Richard Harvey, Director of Research at the Alzheimer's Society. "It is easier for residential and nursing home workers to sedate patients than to deal without medication."

Researchers will study patients in 12 care homes, comparing the use of drugs in some patients with a package of alternative measures that include skills training for staff and training in behavioral management.

Other sources: Community Fund