Another medication has been found to be effective in treating those suffering Alzheimer's Disease, according to Donna Wilkinson, resource coordinator and staff member in charge of education for the Saskatchewan Alzheimer's Society.

Wilkinson, along with support coordinator Michelle Moar, came to the Wheatland Seniors Centre on Thursday evening to provide information to the public about the current status of the disease and related issues in this province.

"We've found that the medication Exelon is effective for those in mild to moderate stages of the disease," said Wilkinson. "It won't stop or reverse the disease, but it may slow it down."

Wilkinson said if people are diagnosed early enough and are on the drug from the beginning, they may have a better quality of life for a longer period and have time to get their affairs in order. It doesn't work for everyone, but it offers an alternative to Aricept, the medication most frequently given to Alzheimer's patients.

The Alzheimer's Society has been seeking to have both medications covered by Sask. Health. Currently, it costs patients about $5 per day or $150 per month to use either as treatment. Wilkinson said the government has given a variety of reasons for its refusal to fund this medication.

"They say it's not effective for everybody, and there's a cost factor. They're concerned that people will be automatically placed on the drug whether or not it works," said Wilkinson. "The last I heard the government wanted other options than the one medication. The Alzheimer's Society is concerned because the disease usually hits people over 65, and a lot of times these people are on a fixed income."

Wilkinson believes proper medication can keep people at home for as much as five years longer, saving expense to the health care system and giving people with Alzheimer's a much better quality of life in the meantime.

Moar noted that it is important that families are aware of the warning signs of Alzheimer's, as an early diagnosis can make a real difference. She said sometimes people wrongly assume Alzheimer's when in fact there are other medical conditions that can cause the same symptoms.

The meeting, which was very lightly attended, gave caregiver Rita Hanson a chance to voice some of her concerns. She spoke about the difficulties families and victim of Alzheimer's endure. Her husband Harold was afflicted with the disease and she cared for him at home for as long as she could before admitting him to Souris Valley Extended Care. She said she is luckier than most in many ways, but it has not been easy.

Apparently, people often don't know how to react and tend to withdraw in confusion from those dealing with the affects of Alzheimer's at home. This tends to further isolate caregivers who are usually experiencing fatigue and loneliness in dealing with the effects of the disease in a loved one. Other family members are also dealing with a lot of emotion, including guilt if they don't live nearby. The best way for their community to help is to offer practical assistance or to volunteer.

"We have to be educated and know more about the disease. It's not a new one, it's been around since 1906," said Wilkinson. "We have to be there for people. We're all very good when someone gets out of the hospital with a baby. Those things that are helpful then are also make a difference in the long term. It's important to stay in touch, not only with the person who has the disease, but with their caregivers and families."

Practical assistance includes picking up some aspect of the role the Alzheimer's patient used to fill, such as mowing the lawn on occasion, cooking a meal, or taking their vehicle in for servicing.

In Weyburn, families are welcomed to attend support group meetings held by Mary Engebretsen at a different nursing home on the fourth Wednesday of every month. Souris Valley Extended Care also has a caregiver group that includes those dealing with Alzheimer's.