Posted by banga on February 22, 2005, at 11:09:27
In reply to Re: Seroquel Accelerates Alzheimer's Problems, posted by linkadge on February 22, 2005, at 10:18:27
Thats what I was wondering too---they knew there may be cognitive effects if they were testing for it, if they administered the drug knowing it may have negative effects I don't understand how a research subject protection committee could have allowed it in the first place. It is scary that it feels like children are protected to the max and would never be in such a trial, yet older people dont get such protection??
I worked with the elderly in a hospital setting and did testing to help people understand whether their memory difficulties are alzheimers or some other condition, so we could understand how best to help them with getting along in their daily life. I definitely saw persons overmedicated, not only with neuroleptics but meds in general--a whole list for each person, at large amounts (not factoring in a slowed metabolism for most of the elderly of the medications). I often had to say that I cannot rule out cognitive difficulties due to medications.
But I can imagine what you saw was much more horrific. I have seen similar things at a hospital though--patients given meds in quantities, just to have them not bother the staff. At this particular instance I had the luck to work primarily with people either still independent, or living under the care of a loved one who helped them enjoy life despite difficulties with memory, consequences of stroke, etc.
poster:banga
thread:461637
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050222/msgs/461750.html