Skip to main content

Some Medications Can Affect Memory and Cognitive Function


As we age, many seniors experience occasional “brain fog” or forgetfulness and have trouble comprehending and processing new information. Medical experts say this may be a normal part of aging but could also be from some of the medications you are taking.

Dr. Mark Albers, a neurologist at the McCance Center for Brain Health at Harvard - affiliated with the Massachusetts General Hospital, says it is not uncommon for seniors to experience symptoms of brain fog when taking certain medications for the first time. He explains medications can affect memory more in aging adults as “older people tend to metabolize drugs more slowly, making them more sensitive to medications and more vulnerable to side effects.”

Other reasons medications cause more problems in seniors are they often take larger doses of a drug and more frequently as well as take several drugs to treat one health condition. Moreover, older people may have a weakened blood-brain barrier. This barrier works to block toxins and other harmful substances including drugs from entering the brain, which may account for some memory problems.

Sleep medications are one of the common medications that can be problematic. Over-the-counter sleeping aids can contain anticholinergic drugs, which are known to impair cognitive function, and some prescription sleep drugs diminish activity in parts of the brain involved in transferring short-term memories to long-term memory. Pain medications can additionally result in memory problems. The good news is once patients stop taking sleep or pain meds, modify the dose or replace the drug with a better option, many of the problems go away.

MorningStar at River Oaks is proud to offer seniors a vibrant and carefree lifestyle to help live life to the fullest. Our community offers a selection of assisted living suites in a variety of floor plans equipped with kitchenettes (full kitchen in select units), washer/dryer, handicapped-accessible bathrooms, and emergency call systems. Residents enjoy all-day dining, fitness center, theater/chapel, salon, courtyards and sky terrace along with wellness programs and activities. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood has suites devoted to the care of those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Please contact us for more information about luxury senior living in Houston.

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior living Houston offers.

Source: health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/stuck-in-a-brain-fog-look-in-your-medicine-cabinet



Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Adjust Your Attitude toward “Growing Older”

New studies suggest our attitude toward growing older may affect how well we do with our own aging process. Researchers report findings that show those who negatively view aging may have a higher likelihood of developing changes in the brain associated with Alzheimer’s disease . One such study was published in the American Psychological Association’s journal, Psychology and Aging. Its authors suggest if a person shifts their belief about aging to a more positive view; it may be beneficial in helping to mitigate the ravages of Alzheimer’s. Associate professor of public health and psychology at the Yale School of Public Health and the study’s leader, Becca Levy said, “We believe it is the stress generated by the negative beliefs about aging that individuals sometimes internalize from society that can result in pathological brain changes.” She says while these findings are concerning, “it is encouraging to realize that these negative beliefs about aging can be mitigated, and positive beli
1 comment
Read more

Be an Active Partner in Your Medical Care

Experts suggest that a good way to reduce medical errors regarding your care or that of a loved one is to be an active partner in the process whether in a hospital setting, doctors’ office or the pharmacy. In fact, a study showed 7% of hospitalized patients experienced an event that was considered preventable which negatively affected their health. Furthermore, harmful errors in primary and outpatient health care settings are typically related to diagnoses, prescriptions and use of medicines. Mistakes associated with misdiagnosis result in delayed treatment for the real problem and having the wrong medications prescribed or supplied can cause serious complications. However, it is important to keep in mind that some medical errors are a result of patients failing to disclose all the medications they take including prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Another problem is the failure to reveal pertinent details regarding a person’s prior medical history as well as lifestyle habits s
Post a Comment
Read more

Tips to Soothe an Upset Stomach

Every now and then, most of us suffer from an upset stomach. Experts say experiencing a stomach ache once in a while is perfectly normal and can be caused by stress or anxiety, food allergies, eating something that doesn’t agree with you, or a 24-hour bug. To ease symptoms and help you feel better, experts recommend several foods. Just as mom told you, chicken-broth is good for an upset stomach as it contains many necessary nutrients. The broth also helps you stay hydrated if you have bouts of diarrhea and vomiting. Plain food like saltine crackers or dry white toast (skip the whole wheat for now) are easy to digest and give your stomach a little something to help it settle down. Ginger has been used for centuries to help ease digestive problems including an upset stomach. Drinking ginger tea or eating a couple of ginger chews may help you feel better. Dr. Carolyn Kaloostian, clinical associate professor of family medicine and family medicine specialist at Keck Medicine of USC, says
Post a Comment
Read more