There's Nothing Natural About Drug-Induced Dementia



By Dr. Mark Stengler

It's absolutely heartbreaking. All over America, nursing homes are filled with frail, feeble residents suffering from dementia. In many cases, these folks are so far gone they don't even recognize their own children. But I'm going to let you in on a dark, dirty secret: Many of these patients do not have dementia at all. Their memory loss, confusion, and delirium are caused by prescription drugs! And so are many of their other problems.

This is not just speculation on my part. It's fully documented in the medical journals. In fact, it's so common that there are even medical terms for it. Like "polypharmacy," which means giving a patient too many different drugs. And "iatrogenic illness," which means any illness caused by doctors.

According to the medical journals, polypharmacy and iatrogenic illness are rampant around the globe.
  • One study concluded that one of the major causes of falls in nursing homes is the side effects caused by medications.
  • Another study found that 97% of nursing home patients take at least one drug, with 17% taking 5 or more!
  • Yet another study found that many drugs can cause Parkinson's-like symptoms and concluded that "drug-induced parkinsonism is frequent."
  • And still another study listed 22 different categories of drugs that can cause symptoms that mimic Alzheimer's... plus 14 different over-the-counter drugs that can cause those symptoms!
Here's a typical scenario. A healthy person goes to the doctor for a checkup and is told his cholesterol or blood pressure is high. So he starts taking medication, which causes side effects. This leads his doctor to give him a second drug to treat those side effects. But, of course, that second drug causes new side effects. So the doctor prescribes a third drug to treat the side effects of the second one! Before you know it, the person's health is spiraling downward and he soon needs people to take care of him. And everyone just chalks it up to "old age."

Recently, I spoke to a 72-year-old woman who was turned down by THREE different long-term care companies, even though she passed her physical with flying colors. The reason given? She was on too many prescription drugs. Yes, the insurance companies know that if this woman continues to take her meds, it's only a matter of time before her health deteriorates. And they don't want to be the ones footing the bill when that happens.

But you can fight back against this system of medicine run amok. First of all, make sure you always try natural remedies first. Pharmaceuticals should be a last resort, not a first option. Secondly, if you have a loved one in a nursing home, talk to a naturally minded physician about possibly weaning them off the drugs. This single step may make a huge difference in their health and well-being.

Source: www.care2.com or you can visit Dr Mark Stengler, ND at www.lajollawholehealth.com
Share

Leave a Comment with Facebook or use the form below


Previous Comments

Karian commented on 25-Nov-2009 09:31 PM5 out of 5 stars
This is one of the best kept secrets, medication (drugs) give people side effects and they would then need more medication to take care of the side effects.They will become walking time bombs in the end and by that time they will have no idea what is going on, nor will the doctors ....
sally singer commented on 26-Nov-2009 04:09 AM5 out of 5 stars
I had to fight to stop the nursing home my mother was in for respite care giving her the wrong dose of Amatriptyline - she would have been slumped over the side of one of the staring chairs had I not been there to prevent this happening....I am appalled what happens to those poor folk who dont have relatives close by or have relatives that believe that doctors and other people inuniforms 'Know best'
Shirley Hill, NFH commented on 26-Nov-2009 05:03 AM5 out of 5 stars
I am the wellness administrator for Sakal Global Nation. I teach the chemistry of food and its relationship to disease. I have seen not just the elderly, but middle aged people on as much as 17 meds at a time, some are given 3 and 4 medications for the same condition (HBP etc.)
Renée Índico commented on 26-Nov-2009 05:52 AM5 out of 5 stars
But natural remedies also have side effects...
Renée Índico commented on 26-Nov-2009 06:50 AM5 out of 5 stars
But natural remedies also have side effects...
DAVID commented on 26-Nov-2009 02:02 PM5 out of 5 stars
I know this one too well as I've been going through this for a few years now.

Next, we will be weening our Mother
from the following meds.

lipitor 5mg
clonidine 0.1mg
plavix 75mg
avalide 12.5mg
4 1/2-5 years now.

As HIPPOCRATES (the Father of Medicine) said..."food is our medicine as food is our medicine"

We need to, have to, take control of OUR HEALTH!
WAKE UP! ALL OF US!
...& YES...choose ORGANIC! PLEASE.
Cheryl commented on 04-Dec-2009 11:14 AM5 out of 5 stars
I agree completely with this article by Dr. Stengler. I have had to titrate my mother off several medications because of side effects her doctor attributed to other problems and then would prescribe another med along with sedating doses of Oxycontin and Hydrocodone given in the nursing homes so extreme the she couldn't stay awake while eating.
It has always been my suspicion that a lot of the dementia seen today is iatrogenically induced.
She is living with me again, fully lucid and just turned 90.
Raewyn commented on 08-Dec-2009 01:28 AM5 out of 5 stars
I am really concerned as I have biopolar and are on medications for this, I've tried natural alternatives without success. I am really concerned about the effect on my memory and dementia.
Anonymous commented on 22-Dec-2009 03:23 AM5 out of 5 stars
I really the the truth bolgs on what has worked in real life situatons. I have been dealing with this with my dad since 2007. After a double pulminary embulism, one dru after another. I weaned him my self and he ia doing very well. He just had a hip replaced and we are back in a nursing rehab doing the trial and error with drugs. I know the true Dad so I monitor his side effects daily. He will be coming home on the 29th of December, and again I will be weaning him of all drugs. He is an awesome human being when he's not all druged up. Sorry to tell the Dr he'll have to find someone else to make his Mercedes payment.
|

Leave a Comment


12345




Captcha Image


'FOOD MATTERS'
FREE NEWSLETTER

Yes, keep me up to date with:

- The Latest Nutrition Tips
- Natural Healing News &
- Special Offers




For free instant access

Featured Products

About

SCREENINGS

RESOURCES

TAKE ACTION PLANS COMMUNITY FORUM HEALTH RESOURCES

STORE

DVDs WATCH INSTANTLY BOOKS WHOLESALE

CONTACT US

LATEST NEWS