I just read this report, having been alerted to it by your post, and whilst it certainly has a particular political 'spin' on it, I think it's true to say that some of this rationing is already unofficially going on in other parts of the UK and not just London. My own husband has already become a victim of this new attitude, having been first bombarded with NHS advertising, telling him of the necessity for regular prostate checks, and then being told by his GP that 'it's not necessary 'as you have no symptoms'!
It's asking that GP's make some often quite dangerous judgments over who gets to have tests or see a specialist, through deterring all but the most obvious or urgent cases, or the person who demands most strongly to be referred. But if it's now going to be official, it could actually be counter-productive, and lead to a lot more litigation against the NHS, as there are bound to be many errors of judgment made. I also think that the elderly will be among the first group targeted for this official 'fobbing-off' and blocking.
With regard to the RA, you probably already know that studies have shown a definite link between mid-life RA and an increased likelihood of dementia later in life. Maybe that had some impact in your dad's case too.
On the other hand, a study done at the University hospital in my home city has shown that those people who have taken some anti-inflammatory pain medications as a result of midlife RA, are better protected against the development of dementia.
So, we are learning every day. Sadly this is something learned too late to be of help to your dad.
I don't have any personal knowledge of RA treatments versus Alzheimers dementia, but there might be a strong reason for not giving your dad treatment for his RA. One of these could be an interaction with other medications he already needs to take for his other conditions.
The best way to find out is to ask a medical professional such as your dad's GP exactly why he's not a good candidate for treatment and/or pain relief, because it's certainly not fair if he's suffering and not receiving any help at all.
I do hope that you and your dad are getting along as best you can and it was good to hear from you on the forum once more.
Very best wishes.
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Hi Callendergal
Am sick of blocking re my dads condition FOR two years I tried getting doctor to have heart failular nurse round only to be told they don’t excised
Then to find out of district nurse they do and my community has one.
But getting back to this RA Dementia Alzheimer’s evolving controversy re treatments and conflicting information.
Since my own issues I.e fatty pads weight loss cancer HAVE taken keen intrest in sugars and how cells mutations.
Am just lay person but given my own issues I lost weight as cancer tried using sugars AND my heart stored fatty pads to secure food source
So I looked into lipids and trglycerides ALL complicated stuff like that AND RA works lot like cancer WELL as far as what it dose to and how uses sugars.
Clearly it’s cheaper to say this no Alzheimer’s Dementia treatmeant but I dout that very much ..... this story breaking about cancer drug that disrupts cancer cell sugars ITs called dicholoroacetate NOW that is used in treatment of RA and Tumour Nacrosis
Clearly medical professionals / researchers have the own issues with honesty if lay person can find such things out
Hi again Jeff , I don't think dementia is the only mental health issue which seems to make access to treatment more protracted if given at all. I find mental health patients are often told all is fine or have to have tests twice and many beleive the doctor. Unless the health matter can be seen like a cut finger, swollen joint or the like.Its part of the NHS practice of only treating one illness and talk costs nothing only time so to speak and that is the general treatment for mental health. It worries me this approach and I know it does you with your dads issues.Hope you have a peaceful christmas .
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