Lisa welcomed everyone and gave apologies from Mike as there was a Football game this evening and also apologies from Andrew Wrensch as he was covering for someone at work. Lisa also welcomed new members Steve and his mum Aileen this evening. Lisa also welcomed her Trustees Valerie and Dr Angela.
As last week Lisa explained that she would go round asking everyone if they wanted to raise any concerns, questions or even wanted to share some good news. Lisa also mentioned that Stephen and Fulvia who went away on holiday together with their prospective other halves would like to share and talk about the happy times they had during their holiday at the Lake District. Stephen had already emailed Lisa a few photos and this was shared so that everyone could see as Stephen and Fulvia talked. This holiday was only possible because it was organised by ‘Dementia Adventure’ – which come highly recommended by Stephen and Fulvia.
There were several discussions today and some questions about various medication which Dr Angela was able to provide some general advice which helps members to be able to speak to their own doctors.
Fulvia mentioned about a good book with lots of short poems which she really recommends called – Two to One By John Tissandier. You can buy this at Amazon for £8.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/TWO-ONE-Poems-Short-Stories/dp/1795253495
The following was discussed:
Blood Pressure tablets: Someone mentioned that there was an article today about Blood Pressure tablets help with dementia. Dr Angela explained that someone with Vascular dementia will have poor circulation and blood pressure tablets would help. Also some blood pressure tablets have anti-inflammatory properties which help the blood circulation to improve and this in turn prevents strokes and mends any scarring.
Oxybutynin: someone mentioned that this drug may cause dementia. Oxybutynin is a medication used to treat incontinence. However a large study has linked the development of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia in those over 65 using Oxybutynin due to its Anticholinergic properties. More information can be found in Wikipedia.
eConsult: eConsult is a way to contact your NHS doctors online for free anytime day or night. There is no waiting in a phone queue or go into the practice unnecessarily. You can either download the NHS APP or you can follow this link by putting your surgery name and then follow the steps.
https://econsult.net/nhs-patients
Babylon Health: Concerns raised that this health service provider is taking over many GP practices. Here are further details to read about it:
https://lowdownnhs.info/explainers/qa-babylon-health/
Memantine: concerns were raised about the side effects of being very lethargic. Memantine is used to slow the progression of moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease. Common side effects include headache, constipation, sleepiness and dizziness.
Low-dose aspirin: Aspirin: low dose to prevent heart attacks and stroke – https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/low-dose-aspirin/
Low dose aspirin helps to prevent heart attacks and strokes in people at high risk. Sometimes aspirin is prescribed with omeprazole to prevent stomach ulcers.
‘The combination of aspirin and omeprazole is used to reduce the risk of stroke or heart attack in patients who have had or are at risk of these conditions and are also at risk of developing a stomach ulcer when taking aspirin. Aspirin is in a class of medications called anti-platelet agents. It works by preventing platelets (a type of blood cell) from collecting and forming clots that may cause a heart attack or stroke. Omeprazole is in a class of medications called proton-pump inhibitors. It works by decreasing the amount of acid made in the stomach.’
The meeting finished at 8.45pm and Lisa thanked Dr Angela for her medical advice to members and also wished everyone a good rest of the evening. Lisa informed everyone that next week Keren will be running the carers group meeting as she has another work meeting to attend. She will also ask Andrew if he joins next week to do a ‘meditation’ for everyone which will be recorded by Mark.