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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Why Mulethi (Liquorice) Is Considered A Winter Superfood

Let's agree - the traditional remedies for common health problems are back in vogue. In the past few years, we have witnessed the return of several super foods and 'gharelu nuska' (home remedies) in the most 'desi' way possible. Many of us are turning back to our roots for healing measures that withstood the test of time and proved to be healthier in the longer run. That's not all. Over the years, several studies have also found that these superfoods aid immune health, prevent viral infections and more. One such popular superfood is mulethi (liquorice roots). Also spelt as licorice, this herb has been a part of Ayurveda since aeons. According the book 'Healing Foods' by DK Publishing, mulethi is prized for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. If taken in the right amount, it may also help improve metabolism and nourish us from within. Besides, mulethi is known to be "an expectorant and decongestant that can help fight respiratory infections", the book reads.

Celebrity nutritionist Lovneet Batra further states that mulethi can also be considered a perfect ingredient to add to our winter diet. According to her, mulethi "helps us cure chronic diseases and give us a number of offerings". Lovneet Batra further took to her Instagram to explain the several health benefits mulethi has to offer.

Here're 6 Dietician-Approved Health Benefits Of Mulethi:

1. Cures Cough And Cold:

Mulethi helps cure cough and cold, especially dry cough. It is also great for curing asthma-related symptoms during the winters because it is a natural bronchodilator.

2. Reduce PCOS/PCOD Related Symptoms:

According to a study published in the journal Integrative Medicine Research, licorice might inhibit the symptoms of PCOS by regulating imbalanced hormonal levels and irregular ovarian follicles.

3. Prevents Menstrual Cramps:

Mulethi is enriched with antispasmodic properties, which are also known to work as muscle relaxant. This further helps prevent the cramps and make us feel at ease.

4. Aids Gut-Health:

Mulethi contains active compounds glycyrrhizin and carbenoxolone. These properties might help prevent gastric and peptic ulcers and relieve constipation, stomach discomfort, heartburn, acidity and other stomach problems.

5. Reduces Stress:

If taken in right amount, mulethi also helps relax our nerves and reduce stress.

6. Boost Skin-Health:

Mulethi also helps reduce hyperpigmentation in skin. It also an emollient that might help maintain a healthy glowing skin.

Mulethi Dosage: How To Include Mulethi In Your Winter Diet:

Celebrity dietician Lovneet Batra also mentioned how to include mulethi in your winter diet to make the most of it. According to her, one can include it in form of mulethi tea for overall benefit. "You can have mulethi by taking a 3-4 inch piece of mulethi and boiling it in water. Have empty stomach in the morning and feel the difference," Lovneet writes on her post.

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

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement

 

Is It Dementia or 'Medication Fog'?

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.      https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations   https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes     https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement

Common Causes and Treatments for Acid Reflux

Acid reflux disease, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (or GERD), occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (or valve to the stomach) doesn’t open and close properly. An faulty lower esophageal sphincter (or LES) will trigger the overproduction of stomach acids into the esophagus (heartburn). The presence of a stomach abnormality (or hiatal hernia) can also cause the LES to continually allow stomach acid up into the esophagus. This triggers the painful yet well known symptoms of heartburn—including burping, nausea, hiccups, bloating, sore throat, and burning food regurgitation.

Acid reflux is typically diagnosed when GERD symptoms occur more than twice a week. Of course, acid reflux can be exacerbated if patients:
● Are overweight
● Suffer from Dysphagia (narrowing esophagus)
● Smoke
● Eat acidic inducing foods (i.e., onions, fatty foods, garlic, chocolate, tomatoes, citrus)
● Lie down following meals
● Tend to overeat
● Snack right before bedtime
● During pregnancy
● Regularly take muscle relaxers, blood pressure medications, aspirin, or ibuprofen
● Drink gassy beverages (i.e., beer, carbonated drinks, coffee)

In many cases, doctors will recommend a combination of lifestyle changes combined with over-the-counter medications to treat GERD:
1. Lifestyle changes
Many patients with acid reflux significantly reduce their symptoms by quitting smoking, eating smaller, frequent meals to prevent heartburn, losing weight, avoiding tight or compressive clothing, and consuming meals at least 3 hours before lying down.

2. Over the counter antacids
Several over the counter remedies can do their part to help reduce acid reflux symptoms. Many health professionals recommend daily use of Riopan, Rolaids, Alka-Seltzer, Maalox, and Mylanta to help neutralize stomach acid and soothe GERD. However, keep in mind that long term antacid use can cause diarrhea or constipation.

3. Prescription medications
For chronic, severe GERD, doctors often prescribe a combination of drugs to reduce stomach acids (i.e., H2 blockers like Zantac), stomach coaters (i.e., foaming agents like Gaviscon), and Proton pump inhibitors, like Prilosec and Nexium).

4. GERD surgery
When over the counter remedies, lifestyle changes, and prescription medications are unable to provide relief from acid reflux, doctors may recommend surgery in extreme cases when GERD is impacting daily life. The common surgeries conducted as a last result on extreme GERD cases include:
● Fundoplication surgery, which creates an artificial valve by making a tiny incision in the abdomen and wrapping the upper part of the stomach around the LES to repair a hiatal hernia.
● LINX surgery, surgically implants a LINX ring around the outside of the lower end of the esophagus to strengthen the LES and block stomach content from regurgitating back up into the esophagus.

this is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.     
https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement