Malinformation Tango

Regular readers of this column have heard me talk of the concept of "malinformation."  This is when what you think you know about a subject is not only wrong but also greatly distorted in a negative way.  Some examples we have spoken about over the years include hospice, long term care, and clinical trials.  Which brings me to the point of today's missive.  

According to clinicaltrials.gov, some of the main reasons that people state for their involvement in clinical trials are that they can play an active role in their own health care, gain access to new research treatments before they are widely available, obtain expert medical care at leading health care facilities during the trial and help others by contributing to medical research.  As is true of all things involving caregiving, we also hope to be able to access the best information to make decisions for and with our loved ones.  In a recent conversation with a leading research center director, she mentioned that it would be great to be able to present a comprehensive information sheet to caregivers, to help battle  "malinformation."  

The Alzheimer's Association has been supporting and educating caregivers for decades. So it's not surprising that their information would give a great overview about clinical trials. Now, at least in the case of Alzheimer's caregiving, the next time the concept of clinical trials comes up, you can always refer to the experts. 

Alzheimer's Association Information

Take care
Gary Barg
Editor-in-Chief
gary@caregiver.com
 

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Carenotes
I am a co-facilitator of a local Alzheimer's support group.  The trouble I am having is that the caregivers are dealing with various stages of the disease and some have already lost their loved ones.  How do you satisfy all and not make others feel uncomfortable?  You want to address the different stages of the disease and yet you want to comfort the caregivers who are no longer caregiving.  I pass along articles from your website and from handouts I receive from the local Alzheimer's Association office, but sometimes I feel somewhat defeated in trying to help them all.  I know you can't help all or satisfy all, but I am getting a little discouraged. Any advice? Answer This Week's CareNote: carenotes/2007/index.htm
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