This Side Effect Is Often Confused for Dementia in Seniors

As we age, the list of medications we have to take on the daily to maintain a healthy and active life begins to lengthen. At the same time, the ability of the body to compensate for the side effects of these medications decreases with age, and some medications may start making us more confused, drowsy and apathetic - a side effect known by the name ‘medication fog’. 

 

The problem is that many patients, caregivers, and even doctors can overlook the probability of medication fog, and tend to link the above-mentioned symptoms with a neurodegenerative disease that exhibits identical symptoms - dementia. To learn more about medication fog and how to distinguish it from dementia, continue reading. 

 

What Is Medication Fog?

Many common medications have an anticholinergic effect on the brain, meaning that they reduce or interfere with the way our nerves function. When we’re young, our nerve cells are capable of compensating for those effects, and so we don’t feel like our brain is essentially “slowing down”, but with age, we notice the effect of medication on our cognitive health more and more.

Several of these medications, even those we could previously take, can manifest themselves in the following symptoms: 

 

Difficulty concentrating 

 

Dizziness 

 

Confusion 

 

Drowsiness. 

 

These side effects together create the medication fog. 

 

Unfortunately, with age, one’s risk of dementia also increases, and many cases of medication side effects end up being misdiagnosed as dementia. Note that some of these medications can also worsen dementia symptoms in those who do suffer from the condition.

As you may imagine, pinpointing “medication fog” can be difficult, especially if you’re on several medications already. And most seniors are. The average American senior between the age of 65 and 69 takes 14 different prescription medications, and this number rises to 18 in the age range of 80-84. These statistics are very similar in other countries, and it makes sense because many older adults are in dire need of daily medication. However, with such a high number of pills and other treatments one needs to take daily, it becomes increasingly difficult to track the side effects of each medication.

Still, there are ways you and your doctor will be able to distinguish medication fog from dementia. To do so, ask yourself the following questions:

1. Did you start feeling worse once you started a new prescription medication or increased the dose of a medication you're used to taking?

2. Are your symptoms more pronounced shortly after you've taken an over-the-counter medicine, such as a painkiller or allergy medication?

3. Does a specific combination of medications you take on a specific day make you feel worse than usual?

If you answered 'Yes' to any of these questions, medications may be the cause of your cognitive symptoms. Consider discussing a specific medication or a combination of medications (even if they're over-the-counter) with your doctor. They will be able to help you replace the medication in question or adjust the dosage to make you feel better.

Which Medications Are Capable of Causing Medication Fog?

Anticholinergic drugs (those that treat an overactive bladder, lung issues, excessive sweating, etc.) are the main culprit behind medication fog, according to the recently updated list of such medications by the American Geriatrics Society, but many other meds, even those available over-the-counter and nutritional supplements can cause this side effect. These medications include: 

 

 Painkillers 

 

 Sleep medications 

 

Antidepressants 

 

Antihistamines and allergy medications 

 

Muscle relaxants Stomach acid treatments, and others.

To access a certain drug's capacity to affect your cognitive health, you can look at the listed side effects of the medication on the leaflet that comes with the medicine or search for the information on medical apps and websites. You can also discuss the question with your doctor: simply compile a list of the meds you're currently taking (including OTC medications and supplements) and tell your doctor about the symptoms you're experiencing. Chances are that adjusting the dosage or replacing some medication could improve your cognitive health and decrease the symptoms of medication fog.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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Food That Can Affect Your Poop!

Going to the bathroom for pooping is something that most people all over the world take for granted. It is nothing to be thoughtful of unless constipation has loomed in. But according to experts, occasional constipation is not something that may create any health problems when you know about the foods that you should avoid to steer clear of the situation.

1) Dairy Products: Cheese or clarified butter may serve your taste buds but too much of them are bad for the digestive system. It has been proved that excessive intake of dairy products makes the gastro-intestinal track sluggish to such an extent that it causes indigestion and stool problems. This is because most dairy products have a complex structure which the stomach finds difficult in breaking down.
    
2) Highly Processed Food Items: While most people have become fans of processed foods like pasta, noodles, oats and even chocolates as they save a lot of time, they are not favourable to the digestive system. Highly processed ingredients are known to contribute to constipation and bloating which feels very uncomfortable and do not allow one to focus.
 
3) Heavy Painkillers and Allergy Medications: Drugs that contain high doses of opiates are likely to mess with one’s bowel movement. This is because the bowel is known as a receptor of opiate which means painkillers are likely to affect them. It has also been found that people who take painkillers on a regular basis have stool problems. Anti-allergy medicines generally contain high doses of antihistamines which aim to dry out the mucus and sinuses present in one’s body. This way they also dry out the poop making it hard to pass and contribute to constipation.
    
4) Unripe Bananas: The interesting fact is that while unripe bananas can trigger poop problems, ripe and yellow bananas can help in releasing it. This is because the green and unripe bananas are rich in starch content which makes it difficult for the stomach to digest.
    
5) Swallowing Chewing Gums: While it is not true that if someone accidentally swallows chewing gum, it would linger in the stomach for several years, too many chewing gums if swallowed over a short period, can cause blockage of the digestive tract leading to constipation problems. The situation turns even worse when chewing gums are swallowed with other indigestible substances like seeds.
    
6) Caffeine: Though caffeine is known as a bowel stimulator, it can lead to stool problems when someone has too much of caffeine in the form of chocolate, black tea, coffee and caffeinated water when the body is dehydrated. It leads to constipation, bloating and several other bowel-related issues.

The key to having a healthy bowel movement every morning is to keep oneself hydrated by drinking plenty of water and eat a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables with high fibre content. But if the problem persists for over 3 days, it is important to check with a general physician to determine whether there is an underlying health issue.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.     
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https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
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