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When a senior begins taking a new medication, your doctor and pharmacist should inform you of any risks and potential side effects that are common among those who use the drug. That’s why you are always encouraged to read through the information given to you with the medication and ask any questions that might come to mind.
If you purchase a medication over-the-counter, you will always see warnings on the label. These warnings usually caution you not to take the drug when you are taking certain other medications, to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery while using them, or to expect some simple side effects, such as dry mouth or frequent urination.
These problems can be even more pronounced if you are taking more than one medication. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, more than half of all adults aged 65 and older take four or more prescription drugs.1 This means more of a chance of interaction, as well as the possibility of increasing the side effects. For example, if you are taking two drugs that make you sleepy, you are likely to deal with intense drowsiness compared to someone who doesn’t take drugs that make them tired. If you are on any medication, it is also a good idea to be wearing a fall alert.
The side effects of certain drugs are well-known and something that your doctor can help you manage. But what if you are taking a drug that has long-term effects that aren’t yet well-known? For seniors, some medications might not be worth the risk. That’s especially true if the medication has been linked to a higher risk of dementia or other dangers for the well-being and longevity of seniors. Let’s talk about these drugs.
Anticholinergic Drugs
This is a very common class of medication prescribed for a wide variety of ailments. These drugs might be used for overactive bladder, to control the symptoms of Parkinson’s, to treat COPD, and to ease allergies. But by far, the most common in this class of drugs are antidepressants.
According to the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, almost half of all seniors are on some sort of anticholinergic drug, and the number of these prescriptions is going up.2 They are also available in over-the-counter forms to treat things like motion sickness, dizziness, and diarrhea. A good example is the popular drug Benadryl, which has anticholinergic effects.
Even if you aren’t on these medications on a regular basis, you might be given them before or during surgery or other medical procedures.
There is no doubt that these drugs can improve the quality of life for millions of seniors. They can help control some quite serious conditions and relieve symptoms that would otherwise challenge a person’s independence.
But they can also bring serious risks, especially an increased risk of dementia. Studies have determined that those who used these drugs every day for many years were more likely to develop dementia than those who didn’t use the drugs.
Initially there was the question of which actually causes the greater risk: the drug or the condition it is meant to treat. But in studies of those who had no signs of dementia before starting the drugs, researchers found that 23% of those who were on the drugs developed dementia, and some developed Alzheimer’s.
Follow-up studies looked at brain imaging to determine any changes and discovered a high level of brain atrophy among those who took the drugs on a long-term basis. Those studies also found that those who were taking at least one of these drugs scored lower on memory and cognition tests.
Benzodiazepines
These drugs are used for their sedating, calming, and tranquilizing effects. These are commonly given during surgery and other medical procedures, where they are absolutely necessary to ensure good health and a better medical outcome.
But they can also be used to treat anxiety and insomnia, as well as relax the muscles and control seizures. Given all they can be used for, WebMD reports that benzodiazepines – often simply known as “benzos” – are among the most commonly prescribed medications in the United States today.3
You might be familiar with some of the more common names, including Xanax, Valium, Versed, or Ativan. Benzos are known for leading to drowsiness, confusion, and disorientation – that’s why it’s a good idea to shop for medical alert systems for seniors if you need to take these drugs. Since these side effects can lead to a greater risk of falls, having medical alert technology at your fingertips can provide the peace of mind you need to live your life confidently and independently. These drugs are also among those that are linked to dementia.
One compelling study in the British Medical Journal looked at nearly 2,000 individuals over the age of 66 who had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, as well as about 7,000 others without the disease. They examined the prescription history of all the participants during the five to six years before they were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
They found that those who had taken a benzodiazepine for three months or less had the same dementia risk as those who hadn’t taken the drug at all; however, those who had taken the drugs for between three and six months were 32% more likely to develop Alzheimer’s. That risk jumped to a whopping 84% for those who took the drug for more than six months.
But What if You Need the Drugs?
These numbers might be frightening and make you wonder how in the world you can avoid the dementia risk. After all, it’s entirely possible that seniors are taking more than one of these drugs, and they might be absolutely necessary to keep certain conditions under control. It’s safe to say that stopping these medications can lead to health problems and a deteriorating quality of life.
Before you make any changes to your drug regimen, consult with your doctor.
But if your doctor is open to you giving other options a try, there are some alternatives. Here are some of them:
· Getting good sleep is imperative for overall health, which is why your doctor might prescribe something for insomnia. Some over-the-counter sleep aids, such as Tylenol PM, might have some anticholinergic effects, but can be used on a temporary or intermittent basis with no worries. Melatonin is a strong alternative to traditional insomnia medications and can give you a natural way to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Home remedies to try include setting a solid bedtime routine, avoiding tv, cell phone, and computer screens for an hour before bed, and avoiding caffeine in the afternoons and evenings.
· If you suffer from anxiety, there are some natural ways to help alleviate it, such as meditation, prayer, deep breathing exercises, counseling sessions, exercise, and the like. But if those aren’t enough and medication is in order, some classes of drugs might help without the benzodiazepine effect. These can include Wellbutrin, Prozac, Zoloft, and Effexor. Avoid alcohol, as well as caffeine if it makes you jittery.
· When you are dealing with allergies, look for something other than Benadryl and other medications that have anticholinergic effects. Allegra and Claritin are two very common over-the-counter medications that don’t seem to carry the same dementia risk as prescription allergy medications do. Some home remedies can help as well, such as using a Neti Pot, breathing in diffused essential oils such as peppermint or spearmint, and drinking warm bone broth.
· Unfortunately, most drugs that battle overactive bladder and incontinence will have anticholinergic properties. However, there are some medical procedures that can help with the problem and eliminate or reduce the need for medications. Talk to your doctor about these, which might include bladder implants or botox injections. If you’re curious about natural remedies, look into bladder training, exercises that strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, and losing weight if you need to drop a few pounds.
It’s important to remember that you should never change medications without your doctor’s specific approval. Speak to them right away if you are concerned about the side effects and risks of the drugs you are on right now and ask if alternatives might be right for you.
Mitigating the Risks
Remember that any medication, no matter how mild or how common, carries some risk. But if you are worried about the long-term risks, talk to your doctor. Express your concerns about what the medications could do to you over a long period of time. Your doctor might be able to reassure you that the benefits outweigh those risks, or help you find alternatives that might allow you to get off the drugs or move to a lower dosage.
No matter what your choices are concerning medications, an emergency alert system for seniors and elderly adults is an excellent idea. Remember that even one medication can have side effects that increase your risk of falls and other medical emergencies; if you are on more than one medication, that risk goes up. Protecting yourself right now with a panic button at your fingertips can bring peace of mind 24/7.
