- There were several surprising facts about medication that Cruikshank presented. Although it is difficult to choose the most surprising, there were several that were very surprising. I had not closely considered the influence that the pharmaceutical industry has on the way information is presented and the angle that supports that ones relationship with medication is appropriate to increase with age. The way that the benefits are exaggerated and the risks are downplayed was really interesting to consider. I realized that so many commercials express the relief of a matter that is not life threatening and then proceed to speed through the list of risks that come from taking this medicine that are actually life threatening. The hardest hitting was that drug integrations that were found not to be connected to any medication leads to the inaccurate diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. It seems extremely negligent and lazy to avoid diligent review and thought surrounding the possibilities that could exist because of other prescription medication a patient is taking.
- Cruikshank does a great job at helping paint the picture on the side of humanity and dignity. There are clear agendas by multi-billion dollar pharmaceutical companies with a priority to only make more money. There is also successful marketing that persuades Western society that their quality of life could always be better than what it is and the solution is in a prescription. I appreciate this perspective and these statistics presented by Cruikshank. Even though there were so many disturbing facts throughout this chapter, I am still more hopeful about the agency I am free to take concerning my body. Especially with the understanding of the influence and encouragement that there always is to be prescribed a solution. I will find how my body can heal itself, like Cruikshank brought up.
- I thought that Irina should also pursue the theatre or acting because it would have been significantly more difficult for me to remain neutral and dignified under that circumstance. I thought it was very reasonable for Aronson to have so many deep inquiries about Dimitri. It was meaningful for me to see that that Gero physicians care enough even to second guess the decisions of prior physicians. It was incredible that she stopped all the previous medication after being given that nudge from Irina. It was at that moment that I understood that the confidentiality of that relationship was crucial in having that piece of information spark such tremendously beneficial actions for Dimitri.
- Given my background, preference and career intentions, I would have been much more excited to hear the presentation by Aronson. I don’t find the science invaluable, certainly not, but there should be much greater efforts on the quality of care of patience experiencing dementia. Watching the Memory Loss Tapes puts me in mind to so many parts of the video that highlighted the priority of patient care. It was almost as if Aronson was a part of that video adding to the standards expressed.
- It was inspiring to find that Gabow’s mother had so much already sorted out concerning her care and consent. It made me wonder how close to the diagnosis of dementia did she establish these wishes for her care. I found it integral for Gasbow to remain integral to the wishes her mother has under that circumstance. It seems like it was an easier decision to make because Gasbow is a trailblazer in this area. What had the biggest impact was Gasbow’s mom’s recovery!
LaCher,
Nicely done.
Dr P