Why don't AD drug commercials on TV show what REAL Alzheimer's patients are facing?

virtualhorizon,

I have thought the same exact thing! But I'll go one further. How about print ads for nursing homes and other senior-related services that show a lovely older lady with twinkly blue eyes, smiling up fondly (from a wheelchair) at a staff member. I've never seen anyone who looks like that in a nursing home. There are even pictures on this site that are unrealistic. It's advertising. No one wants to see a half-dressed old woman with uncombed steel gray hair and a gaunt face, in diapers, ranting and raving while her caregiver (her daughter or son) sits at the kitchen table, head in hands, crying in frustration and anxiety.

You're so very right. Alzheimer's doesn't look like it does in the commercials and I agree that they're ridiculous but they're trying to sell a product. Anyone who has ever known anyone with Alzheimer's (and that's a lot of folks) knows it doesn't look like that. Think of President Reagan. Not too long after Nancy announced that he had Alzheimer's he disappeared from the public eye. He didn't take a pill and all of a sudden get up and start golfing or puttering in his garden. No one saw him because he was probably a wreck and Nancy didn't want him remembered that way. I don't blame her. Same with Charlton Heston. He disappeared too. We know what Alzheimer's looks like and it's ugly. I would think most people who see those commercials and who have someone with Alzheimer's in their life know better.

Dear Virtual, I totally agree with what you said about these drugs and the advertising making everything seem 'rosy' again. When my dad was diagnosed with AD over 4 years ago, he was already approaching mid-stage. His Dr. prescribed Namenda. Dad often said his head felt "fuzzy" or didn't feel right. He could no longer accurately express side effects so we could understand what he was truely feeling. After 1 1/2 years on it, I saw no difference and weened him off it - no difference, but no more "fuzzy" head either. When he does display symptoms of aggitation or being upset, 99% of the time, it's related to gas, indigestion, being hungry or tired, etc. - I have to figure it out and take it from there.

I do feel your irritation, though, and would like to add my irritation of drs, hospice nurses, nursing homes,etc., pushing and/or prescribing more drugs or trying an anti-physcotics to calm (sedate), lessen anxiety (dope up patient). etc.

Oh, and to really answer your question about those AD drug commercials - they don't want to show what REAL alzheimer's patients are facing - they just want to sell their drugs and make money!!!

Eyerishlass --

You made my day with your descriptive post! My Mom called me first thing this morning to say she was unable to come to Sunday School and church with me -- she was up all night because my Dad was continuously wandering through the house yelling for her, wouldn't stay in bed no matter how many times she put him there, kept turning all the lights on, was talking to "someone" in the hallway and asking that person where my Mom was, etc. Another picture you won't see in an ad!

Advertising is marketing, whether the product is a soft drink, a car, or a pill. They all show the product making life beautiful because that's what sells the product. I feel your pain, but the only real solution. Is to ban advertising (not on a democracy,) or turning off the tv!

Follow the money. It is all about selling the medication. Some things may help, i won't say work for a short while.
The advertisers play on the emotions of the desperate caregivers. It is a case of "Open your wallet and help yourself" How many "as seen on TV" products really work? What does a "lifetime guarantee" really mean? Your life? the life of the product? or the life of the company selling the latest marvel.
As everyone who has seen it Alzheimers is a cruel and depersonalizing disease and anyone who tries to say otherwise is smoking something!

The driving force behind the drug companies and healthcare in this country is PROFIT!! It's why we pay so much for our healthcare, from insurance premiums to drugs to long term care. Healthcare in this country is big business. It's a cut throat big business that has little room for honesty or morality.

I realize that this is an old thread and that's it's about how dementia is portrayed in the media for medication, HOWEVER, has anyone see the new Alzheimers RESEARCH AD? I think the message is that there is hope for future generations, but the way it portrays current people who had Alzheimers was a little surprising. And this is the year 2016?

You can google to find it. The Alzheimers patients are shown having a picnic in the park amongst family and friends.

The

Because they do not want to scare the crap out of people.
But the same can be said of any advertisement for a drug.
Why do we see a cute "cartoon" bladder dragging a woman to a washroom, why do we see another cartoon of a colon for the IBS drugs? Because no one wants to see someone running to the bathroom and and then wetting themselves just as they get to the door, or someone writhing in pain from cramping and diarrhea.
I recall years ago drugs were not even advertised on television or in magazines. The only way you found out about a drug was from your doctor. Now we see the ads and ask our doctor...what about this one..I saw the ad and it is supposed to work better...
Lets not even get to how or why a drug company can change one thing like making the drug an extended release just to keep it from being able to go generic. More money for them if you want the "new and improved" you can not buy a generic.

OH, I forgot to add. This recent ad on research that I am referring to is sponsored by the Alzheimers Association.