Hi, this is Teri. I am a 3rd generation Alzheimer’s
Survivor and a co-caregiver of a parent who is surviving and thriving despite
having Alzheimer’s Disease.
This week we will
talk about medications that can create and cause memory loss. Over an extended
period, memory loss might develop into Alzheimer’s Disease.
To be clear, I AM
NOT A MEDICAL DOCTOR. While I worked in a pharmacy for the last 4+ years with two
of the most amazing mentors, I am not a Doctor of Pharmacy either. I am not a
nurse. I am not a medical assistant. I am an individual who can take complex
information and recompose it so nonmedical individuals can understand it enough
to know if this affects them or their loved ones. With this knowledge,
they can schedule an appointment and talk to their doctor. Also, I can
make suggestions for some supplemental nutritional solutions to help.
Most of us know some
of the things that can impair memory, including alcohol and drug abuse, heavy cigarette smoking, head
injuries, stroke, sleep deprivation, severe stress, vitamin
B12 deficiency, and
depression. Over the last few years, we have added illnesses like
Covid-19 to that list.
What many people
don’t realize is that a number of commonly prescribed drugs and over the counter
(OTC) medications also can interfere with memory. The medications
I am most concerned about are those with anticholinergic properties. This means
that the medications block the effect of acetylcholine.
Acetylcholine is an important brain chemical and neurotransmitter that becomes
less plentiful in the aging brain (those of
us over 40). These medications have an impact on
brain cells by occupying that cell’s receptor molecules and can help
people gain relief from symptoms of insomnia, irritable bowel syndrome, or
several other medical conditions.
The consequences of
anticholinergic medication usage can be serious. Side effects include dry
mouth, dry eyes, constipation, or urinary retention may occur. The toxic
effects of anticholinergic medications on the brain include confusion, memory
disturbance, agitation, and even dementia. The classifications of the medications
are:
Antianxiety drugs
(benzodiazepines)
Benzodiazepines are
used to treat a variety of anxiety disorders, agitation, and seizures. Because
benzodiazepines have a sedative effect, they are often used to treat insomnia and
the anxiety that can accompany depression.
Examples: Alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide, clonazepam
(Klonopin), diazepam (Valium), flurazepam, lorazepam (Ativan), midazolam,
quazepam (Doral), temazepam (Restoril) and triazolam (Halcion).
How
they can affect memory: Benzodiazepines
reduce activity in key parts of the brain, including those involved in the transfer of
information and experiences from short-term to long-term memory. They’re used
in anesthesia for this very reason.
Alternatives: Benzodiazepines should be prescribed only rarely in
older adults, and then only for short periods. It takes older people much
longer than younger people to flush these drugs out of their bodies, and the
ensuing buildup puts older adults at higher risk for not just memory loss but
delirium, falls, fractures, and motor vehicle accidents. Benzodiazepines are
easily very addictive and almost impossible to stop.
If you or your loved
one take any of these medications, and you are concerned about memory loss, you
must weigh the benefits vs the risks. It is common to see Benzodiazepines
used to treat Alzheimer’s patients who are sundowning. This is an instance
where quality of life needs to be considered.
NEVER STOP TAKING
THESE MEDICATIONS COLD TURKEY! You MUST consult your health care
professional before stopping or reducing the dosage of any benzodiazepine.
Sudden withdrawal can trigger serious side effects, so a health
professional should always monitor the process.
Antiseizure drugs
Antiseizure drugs or
anticonvulsants are used to treat epilepsy and symptomatic seizures. A
neurologist will select the medication based on the type of seizure, side
effects, drug interactions, and other health conditions. These medications
can also be prescribed for nerve pain, pain after surgery, bipolar disorder,
mood disorders, and mania.
Examples: Carbamazepine (Tegretol), gabapentin (Neurontin),
lamotrigine (Lamictal), levetiracetam (Keppra), oxcarbazepine (Trileptal),
pregabalin (Lyrica), rufinamide (Banzel), topiramate (Topamax), valproic acid
(Depakote), phenobarbital (Luminal), primidone (Mysoline) and zonisamide
(Zonegran).
How they can
affect memory:
Anticonvulsants are believed to limit seizures by dampening the flow of signals
within the central nervous system (CNS). Drugs that depress signaling in the
CNS can cause memory loss. One thing to note: These medications can be
sedating, making it hard to separate what is a true cognitive decline from
simple sedation.
Alternatives: Many patients with seizures do well on phenytoin
(Dilantin), which, at lower doses, has less of an impact on memory. Patients
with chronic nerve pain find that venlafaxine (Effexor) – which also spares
memory – alleviates their pain.
NEVER STOP TAKING
THESE MEDICATIONS COLD TURKEY! You MUST consult your health care
professional before stopping or reducing the dosage of any antiseizure
medication. Sudden withdrawal can trigger serious side effects, so a
health professional should always monitor the process.
Tricyclic antidepressants
This is an older
class of antidepressant drugs and is prescribed less often these days, but some
people still use tricyclics for depression, anxiety disorders,
obsessive-compulsive disorder, and nerve-related pain.
Examples: Amitriptyline (Elavil), clomipramine (Anafranil),
desipramine (Norpramin), doxepin (Silenor), imipramine (Tofranil),
nortriptyline (Pamelor), protriptyline (Vivactil) and trimipramine (Surmontil).
How
they can affect memory: Tricyclic
antidepressants block the action of serotonin, norepinephrine, and other
chemical messengers in the brain, which can lead to several side effects,
including memory lapses.
Alternatives: Newer antidepressants like fluoxetine (Prozac),
sertraline (Zoloft), and other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
don’t have the same anticholinergic effects as tricyclic antidepressants and
therefore don’t interfere with cognition.
NEVER STOP TAKING
THESE MEDICATIONS COLD TURKEY! You MUST consult your health care
professional before stopping or reducing the dosage of any antidepressant.
Sudden withdrawal can trigger serious side effects, so a health
professional should always monitor the process.
Narcotic painkillers (opioids)
Narcotics are used
to relieve moderate to severe pain from surgery or injuries. In some instances,
they can also be used to treat chronic pain. Narcotics are easily addictive and
almost impossible to stop.
Examples: Fentanyl (available as a patch), hydrocodone
(Vicodin), hydromorphone (Dilaudid, Exalgo), morphine, and oxycodone
(Oxycontin). These drugs come in many different forms, including tablets,
solutions for injection, transdermal patches, and suppositories.
How
they can affect memory:
These drugs work by stemming the flow of pain signals within the central
nervous system and by blunting one’s emotional reaction to pain. Both
these actions are mediated by chemical messengers that are also involved in
many aspects of cognition, so the use of these drugs can interfere with long- and short-term
memory, especially when used for extended periods. Researchers have also found
a link between opioid use and dementia in older adults.
Alternatives: In patients under the age of 50 years, nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the frontline therapy for pain.
Unfortunately, NSAID therapy is less appropriate for older patients,
who have a much higher risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
may be another option, but again, it’s important to consult your doctor about
risks, side effects, and drug interactions for all medications.
NEVER STOP TAKING
THESE MEDICATIONS COLD TURKEY! You MUST consult your health care
professional before stopping or reducing the dosage of any narcotics. Sudden
withdrawal can trigger serious side effects, so a health professional
should always monitor the process.
Sleeping aids
(nonbenzodiazepine sedative-hypnotics)
Sleeping aids are
used to treat insomnia and other sleep problems. They are also prescribed for
mild nighttime anxiety and sundowning. Sleeping aids are highly addictive!
Examples: Eszopiclone (Lunesta), zaleplon (Sonata), and
zolpidem (Ambien).
How
they can affect memory: Although
these are molecularly distinct from benzodiazepines, they act on many of the
same brain pathways and chemical messengers, producing similar side effects and
problems with addiction and withdrawal. These sleeping aids also can
cause amnesia and sometimes trigger dangerous or strange behaviors, such as
cooking a meal or driving a car with no recollection of the event upon
awakening.
Alternatives: There are alternative drug and nondrug treatments
for insomnia and anxiety, so talk with your healthcare
professional about options. Melatonin, for instance, can help to reestablish healthy
sleep patterns. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is the
first-line treatment for the sleep disorder.
NEVER STOP TAKING
THESE MEDICATIONS COLD TURKEY! You MUST consult your health care
professional before stopping or reducing the dosage of any sleeping aid
medication. Sudden withdrawal can trigger serious side effects, so a
health professional should always monitor the process.
Incontinence drugs
(Anticholinergics)
Incontinence medications
are used to relieve symptoms of overactive bladder and reduce episodes of urge
incontinence, an urge to urinate so sudden and strong that you often can’t get
to a bathroom in time.
Examples: Darifenacin (Enablex), oxybutynin (Ditropan XL),
solifenacin (Vesicare), tolterodine (Detrol), and trospium (Sanctura). Another
oxybutynin product, Oxytrol for Women, is sold over the counter.
How
they can affect memory: Patients
who take anticholinergics can have complications with their long-term memory.
These medications have been associated with an increased risk of dementia, and
that heightened risk can persist even after the medication
has been discontinued.
Older adults are
particularly vulnerable to the other adverse effects of anticholinergic drugs,
including constipation (which, in turn, can cause urinary incontinence),
blurred vision, dizziness, anxiety, depression, and hallucinations.
Alternatives: As a first step, it’s important to make sure that
you have been properly diagnosed. Check with your doctor or another health
professional to see if your urinary incontinence symptoms might stem from
another condition (such as a bladder infection or another form of incontinence)
or a medication (such as a blood pressure drug, diuretic, or muscle relaxant).
Once these are ruled
out, try some simple lifestyle changes, such as cutting back on caffeinated and
alcoholic beverages, drinking less before bedtime, and doing exercises to
strengthen the pelvic muscles that help control urination.
Some urologists are
treating overactive bladder with Botox injections to help the muscle relax.
Solutions beyond the medicine aisle can also come in handy. There have been
huge improvements in protective undergarment items. Please do not call them
diapers! Party pants sound a lot more fun.
Antihistamines (first
generation)
Antihistamines are used to
relieve or prevent allergy symptoms or symptoms of the common cold. Some
antihistamines are also used to prevent motion sickness, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness,
and to treat anxiety or insomnia.
Examples: Brompheniramine (Dimetane), chlorpheniramine
(Chlor-Trimeton), clemastine (Tavist), diphenhydramine (Benadryl), promethazine
(Phenergan) and hydroxyzine (Vistaril).
How
they can affect memory: These
medications are prescription and available over-the-counter. They inhibit
the action of acetylcholine, a chemical messenger that mediates a wide range of
functions in the body. In the brain, they inhibit activity in the memory
and learning centers.
Alternatives: Newer-generation antihistamines such as loratadine
(Claritin) and cetirizine (Zyrtec) are better tolerated by older patients and
do not present the same risks to memory and cognition. My favorite solution to
replace an antihistamine is a product from OrthoMolecular called D-Hist (adults)
and D-Hist Jr. (kids). It is just as effective as any antihistamine I
have ever used, but it is natural without negative side
effects. For more information on D-Hist – click here: https://amzn.to/3A9SWeQ .
One of the best
lessons I learned in my years working at an independent pharmacy was not to judge
anyone for their use of any medication. Not only was it none of my business,
but I don’t know anything about what our patients have lived through.
There were always
patients who lied about why they needed their pain medications, Adderall or
Ambien early. Some of those patients had a new excuse every month for the
4 years that I was there. But as I got to know all of our patients better, I
understood that everyone self-medicates or self-soothes themselves in one way
or another.
Some take a pill to
go to sleep so they stop thinking about the trauma, abuse, and/or
neglect they experienced when they were younger. Often the pill they take
to escape those thoughts at night requires them to take a pill in the morning
to get up and go. But when they can get up and go, they spend their time
serving others. So don’t judge.
Other people cut
themselves, binge eat, drink until they pass out, abuse their family members,
shop, abuse street drugs, become sexually inappropriate (whatever you define as
inappropriate), rage, fight, or scroll videos on their phones to
self-soothe themselves to a point where they can relax, find peace and
sleep.
As you review your
and your loved one’s prescription, OTC or recreational drug keep this in
mind. There was a trigger that started the drug use.
If your 85-year-old Dad needs an
Ativan every afternoon at 3pm so he can find some peace and not rage as he is
experiencing Alzheimer-related sundowning, OK.
If at 32 you want an Ativan to go with a glass of wine. Talk to your
doctor. You might benefit from therapy to address an issue from your past
and a low-dose CBD/THC gummy to relax. Every situation is different and a
loving and kind decision can be made without judgment.
If you are interested in supplementing your body &
brain to optimize brain health, this is what I suggest:
All Adults over 40 should take the following:
MultiVitamin
EPA/DHA
Fish Oil
Vitamin
D3 +K2
Methylated
B Vitamins
Tumeric/Curcumin
Berberine
Choline
Multi
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For seniors, the prospect of moving can bring a whirlwind of emotionsexcitement about new beginnings and anxiety about leaving behind a cherished home. At A Call to Order, we understand that a move is not just about relocating belongings; its about transitioning to a space that feels like home again. Our mission is to help seniors navigate this significant life change with compassion, care, and a focus on comfort. In this blog, well explore how to make a senior move an experience that truly feels like coming home, filled with warmth, connection, and peace of mind.Understanding the Emotional Landscape of MovingMoving can evoke a series of feelingsnostalgia, anxiety, and even joy. The home is a tapestry of memories, and leaving it can feel daunting. Here are some emotions seniors may experience during this transition:Nostalgia: Each corner of the home holds memories of special momentsbirthdays, anniversaries, quiet evenings with loved ones. The thought of leaving these behind can be heartbreaking.Anxiety: The unknowns of a new environment can lead to significant worry. Seniors often fear the challenges of adjusting to a new community, making friends, or navigating different routines.Overwhelm: The logistics of sorting through a lifetime of belongings can be daunting. The sheer volume of items can feel chaotic, leading to stress and confusion about where to start.At A Call to Order, we recognize these feelings and strive to create a moving experience that addresses these emotions head-on. With our compassionate, personalized approach, we help seniors build connections in their new space while honoring the memories they are leaving behind.Tips for Creating a Comfortable MoveMoving can be a comforting experience rather than a source of stress. Here are some actionable tips to ensure that every senior move feels like the start of a new chapter filled with warmth and comfort:1. Start with a Memory JourneyBefore diving into packing, take a moment to reflect on special memories associated with the home. Create a memory wall or scrapbook that showcases photographs and stories connected to various aspects of life in the house. Seniors can celebrate the good times and recognize that while the objects may leave, the memories can be cherished forever. This emotional exercise can help bring a sense of closure and gratitude before transitioning.2. Involve Loved OnesEncourage seniors to involve family members in the moving process. Having loved ones by their side can turn what might feel like a daunting task into an opportunity for connection. Together, they can sift through belongings, share stories, and decide what to keep, donate, or discard. This shared experience fosters a sense of community and reminds seniors that they have support during significant life changes.3. Prioritize the EssentialsPacking can quickly become overwhelming, so its crucial to approach it with a clear plan. Help seniors identify the items that are truly essential for their new spacethose that provide comfort and utility. Consider creating a must-have box that includes favorite blankets, important documents, treasured photos, and everyday essentials. Having personal items at their fingertips when they move in can instantly make the new space feel familiar and welcoming.4. Visualize the New SpaceEncourage seniors to visualize how their belongings will fit into their new home. Create a floor plan that includes familiar pieces of furniture from their previous home. This exercise allows them to envision what their new living space will look like and where treasured items will go. Visualization helps ease anxiety and enhances excitement about setting up a new sanctuary.5. Honor the TransitionTransitioning possessions doesnt have to mean letting go of cherished belongings. Suggest creating a comfort box filled with items that evoke positive memoriesfamily heirlooms, comforting blankets, or beloved books. This box can go to the new home and serve as a reminder of the rich tapestry of love and history that has been woven throughout their lives.6. Seek Professional SupportPartnering with professional organizers, like A Call to Order, can significantly ease the moving process for seniors. Our compassionate team specializes in senior moves, understanding the emotional nuances and logistical challenges that come with them. We provide hands-on support in organizing, packing, and unpacking, ensuring we honor the past while creating a comfortable and welcoming new atmosphere. Our aim is to transform the logistical burden into an organized and positive experience.Embracing a New ChapterAt A Call to Order, we believe that every move should be a celebration of new beginningsa fresh start filled with warmth and familiarity. By approaching the transition with love and compassion, we support seniors in creating a new home that feels just as comfortable as the old one. Every box unpacked is a step forward, every memory honored is a stepping stone, and every moment embraced is a reminder that no matter where we go, love is what truly makes a house a home.If you or a loved one is preparing for a move, let A Call to Order guide you through the process with care. Together, we can ensure that your journey toward comfort is filled with hope, connection, and the essence of home, making it feel like coming home again.
Change can be a challenging experience, especially for seniors who are moving from a home filled with decades of cherished memories. Each room tells a story, and each item holds a piece of their life. At A Call to Order, we understand that moving is not just a logistical task; it's an emotional journey that requires compassion and care. Our dedicated team of professional organizers specializes in senior move management, helping clients find comfort and connection as they transition to a new chapter in their lives. Here are some insights and tips to guide you or your loved ones through this vital transition while holding onto the love that brings warmth to every new beginning.Understanding the Emotional Impact of a MoveFor seniors, moving can trigger a mix of emotionsfrom weary nostalgia to fear of the unknown. The thought of leaving behind the home where they've built their lives can be overwhelming. Here are some emotions that often arise during this significant transition:Nostalgia and Sadness: Leaving a home filled with memories can evoke feelings of grief. Each room holds reminders of joyous family gatherings, milestone celebrations, and quiet moments of reflection.Anxiety About Change: The uncertainty of a new environment can lead to anxiety. Seniors may worry about making new friends, adapting to a different routine, or feeling out of place in their new residence.Feeling Overwhelmed: The logistics of moving can be daunting, particularly when coupled with the emotional weight of the process. Sorting through a lifetime of belongings can raise tough decisions about what to keep and what to let go.At A Call to Order, we create a supportive environment where these emotions are acknowledged and validated. Moving forward with compassion allows our clients to cherish their past while embracing the future with open hearts.Tips to Navigate the Transition with LoveWhile the moving process can be emotional, it also offers opportunities for growth and connection. Here are some practical tips to help seniors transition smoothly while holding onto the love that fills their lives:1. Start Early: Planning Is KeyEncourage seniors to begin the moving process well in advance. Starting early alleviates the pressure and allows time for thoughtful reflection. Create a timeline that outlines steps to take each week, breaking the process into manageable tasks. Whether its sorting through one room at a time or packing essential items, taking small steps helps build momentum and instills a sense of accomplishment.2. Honor the MemoriesAs seniors go through their belongings, its essential to honor the memories they hold. Encourage them to create a memory book or scrapbook where they can document cherished moments associated with specific items. Photographs, written memories, or even small notes can help preserve the essence of the past without the need to keep every physical item. This practice fosters gratitude and eases the emotional weight of letting go of certain belongings.3. Involve Family and FriendsMoving is an opportunity for family bonding. Encourage seniors to involve their loved ones in the sorting process. Having familiar faces around can create a sense of comfort and security. Together, they can share stories, laugh over joyful memories, and support each other in difficult decisions. This shared experience creates a tapestry of connection that underscores the love holding the family together.4. Embrace a Keep, Donate, and Discard StrategyHelp seniors simplify the decision-making process by categorizing belongings. A practical approach is to create three distinct areas: Keep, Donate, and Discard. Encourage them to keep items that resonate with their hearts and contribute to their new life. Unwanted items can be donated to local charities, which provides the added joy of knowing they're helping others. Discarding items that no longer serve a purpose lightens both physical and emotional burdens.5. Create a Warm, Inviting New SpaceAs seniors transition into their new homes, assist them in designing a space that feels comforting and personal. Use familiar items, such as beloved photographs, furniture, or decorative elements, to create a sense of continuity. Encourage them to create a comfort corner filled with cherished items that evoke positive memories. This space can serve as a sanctuary where they can retreat, reflect, and reconnect with their past while embracing their new surroundings.6. Seek Professional SupportPartnering with professional organizers can significantly ease the transition process. At A Call to Order, we specialize in senior move management, understanding the intricate balance between emotional support and practical logistics. Our compassionate team is trained to assist with the entire moving process, from decluttering and packing to setting up the new living space. We are not just organizers; we are allies in the journey, helping to ensure a seamless transition filled with love and care.Embracing Change with LoveMoving can be a bittersweet experience for seniors, but it also presents a chance for new beginnings brimming with opportunity. At A Call to Order, we believe that holding onto love through change is essential, fostering connections that transcend time and space. By approaching the moving process with compassion, creativity, and thoughtful planning, we help seniors honor the past while embracing the future.If you or a loved one is preparing for a move, remember that you do not have to navigate this journey alone. Let A Call to Order be your trusted partner, guiding you every step of the way as you hold onto the love that fills your heart. Together, we can turn a challenging transition into a beautiful opportunity for renewal and joy.
Transitioning into a new phase of life is never easy, especially for our beloved seniors who may feel overwhelmed by the changes that come with relocating or downsizing. At A Call to Order Professional Organizers, we understand that this isnt just a moveits a deeply emotional journey. We are here to provide more than just organizational support; we bring compassion, empathy, and patience to every step of the process. Our goal is to help seniors and their families navigate this transition with the utmost care, creating an experience rooted in respect and dignity.Understanding the Emotional Impact of a Senior MoveA move often involves more than just changing locationsits an emotional farewell to cherished memories and familiar comforts. For many seniors, downsizing or relocating to a new space signifies more than just leaving a home; it may mean parting with pieces of their identity or decades of memories. This reality can bring up strong emotions, from sadness and anxiety to a sense of loss. Recognizing and respecting these feelings is crucial to supporting a smooth, heartfelt transition.At A Call to Order Professional Organizers, we believe in meeting seniors where they are emotionally. Our team takes the time to listen to their stories, learn about their memories, and understand what makes their home feel uniquely theirs. This approach allows us to preserve meaningful items, honor their past, and make sure their new space feels just as personal. When we engage with empathy and patience, we can help reduce the sense of loss and create a moving experience that honors both their memories and their future.Practical Tips for a Smooth, Compassionate TransitionFor families and caregivers, helping a loved one transition to a new living environment can feel overwhelming. Here are some practical steps we recommend to make the process as gentle and considerate as possible:Start with Open CommunicationEarly conversations about the move help everyone feel more comfortable. Discuss the moves purpose and outline the process with your loved one to ease any fears or misunderstandings. Its crucial to approach these discussions with openness and patience, allowing them to express concerns and preferences.Sort Sentimental Items with CareSeniors often attach significant emotional value to certain items. When sorting through belongings, give ample time for them to share memories associated with each item. Help them decide what to keep, donate, or gift to family members in a way that respects their history.Involve Them in Creating the New SpaceSeniors will feel more comfortable in their new home if they play an active role in its creation. Allowing them to decide on the layout or display special keepsakes in the new space fosters a sense of ownership and belonging, helping the new environment feel more like home.Balance Familiarity with the Necessities of DownsizingDownsizing may be a necessary part of the transition, but preserving familiarity can make the adjustment smoother. Retaining certain pieces of furniture, favorite decorations, or even their everyday items can make the new space feel connected to the life theyve known. A Call to Order Professional Organizers helps identify these essential items, preserving the essence of their previous home.Create Moments of Reflection and AcknowledgmentMoving is often a time for reflection, and we encourage families to take breaks throughout the packing process to acknowledge the memories associated with the space. Simple rituals, like walking through each room together or reminiscing over family photographs, provide closure and honor the home theyre leaving behind.When seniors need to move, its not just a logistical taskits a life transition that requires kindness, patience, and respect. A Call to Order Professional Organizers recognizes the emotional weight of this journey and stands ready to offer support, warmth, and a guiding hand. By blending practical organization with heartfelt care, we help seniors and their families create a new beginning that honors their past and embraces the next chapter with peace and dignity.For those facing the decision of relocating or downsizing with a senior loved one, know that you dont have to do it alone. Our team is here to provide professional assistance, backed by a compassionate approach that turns this transition into an experience filled with warmth and understanding. Because at A Call to Order Professional Organizers, we believe every transition should be made with care.