Some Medications May Cause Memory Problems


As we age, many seniors experience occasional “brain fog” or forgetfulness and have trouble comprehending and processing new information. Medical experts say this may be a normal part of aging but could also be from some of the medications you are taking.

Dr. Mark Albers, a neurologist at the McCance Center for Brain Health at Harvard - affiliated with the Massachusetts General Hospital, says it is not all that uncommon for seniors to experience symptoms of brain fog when taking certain medications for the first time. He explains medications can affect memory more in aging adults as “older people tend to metabolize drugs more slowly, making them more sensitive to medications and more vulnerable to side effects.”

Other reasons medications cause more problems in seniors are they often take larger doses of a drug and more frequently as well as take several drugs to treat one health condition. Moreover, older people may have a weakened blood-brain barrier. This barrier works to block toxins and other harmful substances including drugs from entering the brain, which may account for some memory problems.

Sleep medications are one of the common medications that can be problematic. Over-the-counter sleeping aids can contain anticholinergic drugs, which are known to impair cognitive function, and some prescription sleep drugs diminish activity in parts of the brain involved in transferring short-term memories to long-term memory. Pain medications can additionally result in memory problems. The good news is once patients stop taking sleep or pain meds, modify the dose or replace the drug with a better option, many of the problems go away.

MorningStar of Mission Viejo is proud to offer adults 55+ a vibrant and carefree lifestyle to help live life to the fullest. Our new community offers a wide selection of independent and assisted living apartments in a variety of floorplans. Residents enjoy multiple dining venues, fitness center, art studio, salon and outdoor areas along with wellness programs and activities which promote a healthy and engaged lifestyle. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood has suites devoted to the care of those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Please contact us or visit the Information Center (adjacent to our site at 28570 Marguerite Pkwy). We are scheduled to open to residents in May 2023.

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003. We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about our exceptional independent living, assisted living and memory care in Mission Viejo, CA.

Source: health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/stuck-in-a-brain-fog-look-in-your-medicine-cabinet



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