This being said, the drug has been known to cause dementia symptoms in people that currently have no cognitive impairment.  Hence, there is a  question to ask.  What is in the electronic medication reminder? First of all, an explanation of  why these medications cause symptoms of dementia.  Second of all, raise the risk of developing dementia it’s symptoms..    Third of all, , what prescriptions are anticholinergics.  Fourth, normal side effects.  Finally,  what should be done if  elderly love ones is taking these pills.

Anticholinergics are able to cause dementia like symptoms

Furthermore, Anticholinergics block a specific type of neurotransmitter.  In other words, an important brain chemical.  Moreover, this chemical is needed for learning.  In addition, forming new memories as well as most muscle functions. To sum up,  neurotransmitters are the chemical messengers that carry instructions within the brain.  Hence, from the brain to the rest of the body as well.

Furthermore, as people get older fewer of these messengers are produced.  The outcome,  less of this neurotransmitter.  For example, trying to block these with other drugs makes it even harder for the instructions to get delivered to the brain. However, if instructions are not able to get to the brain, problems begin.  To illustrate, the brain and body will no longer be  able to function correctly.  In addition,  the normal manner. To sum up, this causes dementia symptoms to worsen.  Again, some will start showing up in seniors without dementia.

Anticholinergics can raise dementia risk by over 50 Percent

Seniors who are not suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia still ought  to be very careful of taking anticholinergic prescription medication.  Loading up your electronic medication reminder alarm can be dangerous.  The reason, they can raise risk of developing dementia.

A study was done with adults over the age of 65.  The discovered, seniors who took them had a 50 Percent  higher risk of developing dementia  The study covered men and women for 3 plus years.

Common anticholinergic drugs include medications used for:

• Behavior problems and other issues, anti psychotic medications
• An Overactive bladder suppresion
• A current Treatment for Parkinson’s Disease
•  Eleveat COPD symptoms
• Antidepressants

The shocking truth,  OTC (over-the-counter medications) can be just as Bad .  Examples,  Antihistamines such as Benadryl.  Another example,  sleep aids like Tylenol PM.  Med-Q Medication Reminder offers you a  list of medical conditions and the common anticholinergic medications that are used to treat them. This list doesn’t have  every single condition or medication.  This being said, you can find out if any of your medications are on the list.  in conclusion, , you are able to start an educated conversation with their health care professional. In conclusion, learn about the risk versus the benefits.

Common side effects from anticholinergic medications

In addition to blocking neurotransmitters (aka messengers), anticholinergic drugs also have side effects.

Common cognitive side effects include:

• First, Confusion
• Second, Problems with short-term memory
• Third, Problems with reasoning

Some of the most Common physical side effects:

• Getting Blurred vision
• Excessive Drowsiness
• Easily overheating regardless of temperature
• Having a very Dry mouth

These side effects can make existing dementia symptoms worse,  In addition,  someone without cognitive issues may act like they have  dementia.

What to do if your senior is taking these

What is different drugs are being prescribed by different doctors.  Hence, ask their primary physician to review the full medication list. Furthermore, this could also be a good time to weed out drugs that are no longer needed.  To conclude, lower the risk of risk of developing dementia with an electronic medication reminder alarm and other proactive methods is the key.  As we said before, knowledge is power to independence and Quality of Life.