November 20, 2016 – Bala Cynwyd, PA – Neighborly Home Care, a provider of professional senior home care in Bala Cynwyd, is greatly concerned about reports of medications that may increase early-onset dementia. Dementia is already a serious issue in senior care, and families should be careful to avoid medications that could potentially increase the risk.
A series of medical studies in 2016 have pointed at a number of medications, many over-the-counter, that correlate to reduced brain function in older Americans, including common medications taken for allergies, heartburn, depression, and asthma.
The drugs studied include protein-pump inhibitor antacids, such as Prilosec, Nexium, and Prevacid. Another group studied anticholinergics, which block a crucial brain chemical for memory called acetylcholine. A large number of medications fall into this category, including the allergy medication Benadryl, anti-nausea drug Dramamine, and the antidepressant Praxil.
Research is currently incomplete, as these studies are the first to show a strong relationship between these drugs and elderly loss of brain function. However, the results are strong enough to cause concern. Many medical professionals are already beginning to question recommending these medications, especially to older Americans.
Neighborly Home Care strongly advises families to check the medicine cabinets of their elderly loved ones. Should protein pump inhibitors or anticholinergics be found, Neighborly Home Care recommends consultation with a doctor to determine whether use of these medications should be continued. Contact Neighborly Home Care for more information.
About Neighborly Home Care
Neighborly Home Care is a trusted provider of elderly home care in Bala Cynwyd. Neighborly Home Care offers a superior combination of customized services and 24/7 on-call availability, backed up by some of the most rigorously-selected caregivers in the industry. Neighborly Home Care puts the needs of every senior first, constructing a detailed plan based around their individual challenges and desires.
Neighborly Home Care wants to go beyond merely providing care by becoming part of the full support network designed to encourage greater senior happiness in every possible way.
For more information, please visit https://www.neighborlyhomecare.com or call 610-658-5822.