If you or a loved one is living with dementia, you know all too well the heartbreak and helplessness that comes with this unthinkable disease.
What starts out as simple forgetfulness and misplacing items soon turns into forgetting the names of family members, frustration—even aggression—and the very loss of sense of self.
As the condition progresses, it’s natural to turn to medications in the hope of slowing cognitive decline and preserving quality of life.
But what if the very drugs meant to help were actually doing more harm than good?
The Prevalence of Potentially Harmful Prescriptions
A disturbing new study presented at the American Geriatrics Society 2024 Annual Scientific Meeting has shed light on the persistent use of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) in older adults with dementia.
These medications, which include anticholinergics, antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, and non-benzodiazepine sedatives (Z drugs), have been identified by the American Geriatrics Society Beers Criteria as potentially harmful to patients with dementia, yet they continue to be prescribed at alarming rates.
The study, led by Caroline M. Mak, a Doctor of Pharmacy candidate at the University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, analyzed data from approximately 13 million individuals surveyed between 2011 and 2015.
The results were nothing short of shocking.
Overall, 15.9 percent of older adults with dementia were prescribed benzodiazepines, 11.5 percent were given anticholinergics, 7.5 percent received antipsychotics, and 3.8% were prescribed Z drugs. Even more concerning, the prevalence of benzodiazepine use significantly increased from 8.9 percent in 2011 to 16.4 percent in 2015.
These medications, known as CogPIMs (cognitive potentially inappropriate medications), can have serious consequences for older adults with dementia.
The study found that individuals who reported using Z drugs were more than twice as likely to be hospitalized, while exposure to antipsychotics was significantly associated with an increased rate of hospitalization.
But the risks go beyond just hospitalization. These medications can worsen cognitive function, increase the risk of falls and fractures, and cause a host of other adverse side effects. In a population already struggling with the devastating effects of dementia, the use of these potentially harmful drugs is nothing short of a tragedy.
The Big Pharma Cash Grab
We must ask ourselves why these medications are still being prescribed at such high rates?
The answer, sadly, may lie in the profit-driven motives of Big Pharma. Despite the lack of evidence supporting the long-term efficacy and safety of many dementia medications, pharmaceutical companies continue to push these drugs, seeing the growing population of older adults with dementia as a lucrative market.
It’s a cruel irony that the very industry tasked with developing treatments for this heartbreaking disease may be more interested in lining their pockets than truly helping patients and their families!
And as long as there’s money to be made, it seems that the use of potentially harmful medications will persist, regardless of the consequences.
Taking Control of Cognitive Health
While we may not have control over the prescribing practices of healthcare providers or the motives of Big Pharma, we can take steps to support our cognitive health as we age.
Here are two supplements and two lifestyle changes that have shown promise in preserving brain function:
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Found in fatty fish, nuts, and seeds, omega-3s have been linked to improved brain health and a reduced risk of cognitive decline.
- B vitamins: B6, B12, and folate play crucial roles in brain function, and deficiencies have been associated with cognitive impairment. Consider a high-quality B-complex supplement.
- Regular exercise: Physical activity has been shown to improve brain plasticity, increase blood flow to the brain, and reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.
- Mentally stimulating activities: Engaging in activities that challenge your brain, such as learning a new language, playing an instrument, or solving puzzles, can help maintain cognitive function as you age.
While the use of potentially harmful medications remains a serious concern, there are steps you can take to support cognitive health and quality of life.
Be an advocate for yourself or your loved one. Ask questions about the risks and benefits of any prescribed medications, and don’t be afraid to seek second opinions. Embrace lifestyle changes and natural supplements that have shown promise in preserving brain function.
Sources:
https://www.medscape.com/s/viewarticle/inappropriate-medication-use-persists-older-adults-dementia-2024a100094k
