From: hounddog23x@gmail.com   
      
   Easing up on These OTC Meds May Reduce Your Risk of Dementia   
      
      
      
   Sometimes we'll pop an over-the-counter pill and not even think twice about   
   it, but maybe we should. AARP has issued a warning to be cautious before   
   taking certain over-the-counter medications, which are now linked to an   
   increased risk of dementia and    
   Alzheimer's disease. A recent study of 3,500 seniors showed that taking these   
   medications regularly for a period of three years increases the risk, and that   
   the danger increases even further when taken for longer periods of time and in   
   higher doses.   
      
   Medications to be cautious in taking long-term and in high doses include:   
      
   Antihistamines found in Benadryl   
   Sleep aids found in Tylenol PM   
   Certain antidepressants   
   Treatments for bladder control   
   "We know that these medications may have an effect on memory, and we always   
   assumed that these effects were reversible. We didn't think these medications   
   were changing the brain permanently. Our study does suggest a link between the   
   highest use and    
   increased dementia risk," noted Shelly Gray, professor of pharmacy at the   
   University of Washington and the study's author.   
      
   Since insomnia is so common in seniors, it's recommended that nondrug   
   therapies be investigated as an alternative to OTC sleeping medications. There   
   are also alternative antihistamines without the increased risk of dementia,   
   such as Claritin, and    
   antidepressants, such as Prozac and Celexa.   
      
   Before you shift any of your medications or treatment plans, consult with a   
   physician. Read more about the study's findings here .   
      
   At Cascade Companion Care , we're committed to staying on top of the latest   
   research related to Alzheimer's disease and dementia. We provide the   
   caregiving services necessary so that people with dementia and Alzheimer's   
   disease can remain comfortably at    
   home while receiving top-notch care. To learn more about our Northwest   
   Washington caregiving services, contact us anytime at 425-361-0044.   
      
   Posted by Linda Senn Alzheimer's & Dementia Care   
      
      
      
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   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)