Knowledge and practices of dementia patients across Sussex in relation to vitamin and herbal extract use

✍ Scribed by R. Khan; H. Idle; N. Tabet

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 2010
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 62 KB
• Volume: 25
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0885-6230
• DOI: 10.1002/gps.2370

✦ Synopsis

Despite the lack of clear evidence for efficacy, and the potential for serious side-effects and interactions, overthe counter agents have been widely used among older people. Kishiyama et al. (2005), for example, reported that 70.6% of older people were taking some form of dietary supplements. Specifically in the case of dementia Hogan and Elby (1996)found that nearly 39% of a Canadian memory clinic patients used complimentary medicine including nutritional supplements and herbal remedies. Similarly, in an American study of caregivers of patients with AD, 55% reported that patients they were caring for had tried alternative therapy (Coleman et al., 1995). In a recent survey of 77 German dementia and mild cognitive impairment patients attending clinic, Landin et al. (2008) identified that 47% were using alternative therapy which mainly consisted of vitamins and herbal preparations. More specific information is now needed about the use of vitamins and herbal extracts among those diagnosed with dementia. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and practices of dementia patients in relation to the use of these agents. Such information is essential to identify whether a problem existed and to help with any appropriate development of targeted interventions.

The study was carried out across East Sussex, in the United Kingdom. All recruited patients attended memory clinics for treatment and follow-up. Patients agreeing to take part were asked to complete a questionnaire regardless of their age, gender, date of diagnosis and dementia subtype. An invitation letter and a brief description of the study were sent to the homes of patients identified as suitable to take part.