CAM therapy initiative for Alzheimer’s patients : Asian perspectives

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundIn resource‐poor‐settings, Unlike Western nations monitoring Alzheimer’s‐treatment‐Adherence is low priority due to lack of training modules/funds/expertise. drug‐toxicity, social stigma causes high‐incidence of withdrawal from therapy. Hence our we‐analyzed locally available Complementary‐Alternative Medicines [CAM] in Alzheimer’s‐casesFacilities for diagnosis/treatment located in major‐cities &are unaffordable to >75%. ADR’s & social stigma worsened situation. CAM must be incorporated along with standard DRUG’s to reduce ADR’s & control symptoms to get better treatment‐Adherence. Provide CAM to Traditional‐faith‐hearers. To assess CAM response to pain/fatigue/Myalgia/bed‐sores/wt‐loss, feeling of hopelessness, Dementia. Hence we combined CAM with standard‐drugs.Methodn = 72 cases aged 60‐70 years enrolled. 30% females, 70% males. self report questionnaire distributed in NGO clinic. Mud therapy 60%, Bach‐flower 40%, Accupressure/Accupuncture 80%, Hydrotherapy 10%, Hypnotherapy 70%, ayurvedic therapy 80%, 60% on Unani, 50% Homeopathic, 60% Herbal‐Oil‐TFH massage therapy, 30% Aromatherapy.Resultpatients treated in 7 CAM sessions. responses evaluated by feedback‐Performa periodically to modify treatment. Symptom relief 92%, Psycholocal mood elevation 52%, willingness to shift back to std‐drug thrapy 80%. CAM 80% cheaper compared to std drugsConclusion80% patients used & preferred CAMs. CAM effectively compliments Alzheimer’s treatment‐adherence. Community NGO’s must be part of such efforts to evolve newer concepts in Adherence. Realizing divergent versions of CAM multicentre study needed.