dementia

Growing older is never a simple journey. While retirement offers many opportunities for excitement and relaxation, some aspects of aging can be unfamiliar and a little intimidating. Senior medical care can be one of those daunting elements. With new drugs on the market every day, it can be difficult to know the effects that each new medicine has on your body and whether those drugs interact negatively with each other.

For instance, a recent study published in the Journal of American Geriatrics Society concluded that a certain class of drugs that encourage anticholinergic activity, or restriction of smooth muscle movement, can have negative effects on individuals age 65 or older. Anticholinergic medications include both prescription and over-the-counter medications used for everything from Parkinson’s disease to asthma and COPD.

Patient reactions can include the normal side effects like dry mouth and lethargy. However, the new study indicates that this class of medications can also lead to cognitive decline in older adults. While these findings aren’t currently linked to the onset of dementia, the results of the study suggest clinicians should be careful in prescribing multiple medications with anticholinergic effects to elderly patients.

Fortunately, one of the many services offered by the Abraham Medical team for geriatric patients includes potential drugs’ adverse effects. The analysis includes examination of your senior care plan including the current medications and treatments you are receiving and how to manage your healthcare needs. Dr. Ben Abraham and his staff of caring providers ensure the combination of drugs you may be taking do not interfere with each other or with your overall wellbeing. By viewing your medical history, the doctors at Abraham Medical can identify gaps in your current care plan and make certain they are remedied.

Dr. Ben Abraham’s background in osteopathic medicine allows him to provide premier patient care by fusing the best of both medical and alternative therapies to maximize your results. Osteopathic medicine emphasizes the mind-body connection and recognizes the body’s ability to heal itself. Paired with the best advances in modern medicine, Dr. Abraham’s approach covers all the bases in your healthcare plan.

Other geriatric services offered include arthritis and osteoarthritis treatments and pain management analysis. Dr. Abraham and his staff of providers work though all aspects of your life (i.e. diet, exercise, mental healthcare, and medical therapies) to improve your overall wellbeing.

Contact us for more information about our geriatric or other family medicine services.