Tag: Geriatric health

GERD symptoms often present differently in older adults, with up to half reporting atypical symptoms like chest pain or difficulty swallowing rather than classic heartburn. When considering what is the best treatment for GERD in the elderly, a holistic approach is necessary, balancing potent medications with potential side effects and lifestyle factors.

Estimates suggest that over 10% of patients visiting memory clinics have drug-induced cognitive decline, a condition that can often be mistaken for permanent dementia. While the term "dementia" traditionally implies permanent brain changes, a growing body of evidence shows that many medications and substances can cause reversible cognitive impairment that mimics true dementia. Recognizing this link is crucial for early intervention and potentially reversing the symptoms.

While considered a very safe medication for most people, a systematic review of cases published in the literature found that nearly 74% of neurotoxicity cases linked to antivirals involved acyclovir. This rare but serious side effect can cause confusion, among other neuropsychiatric symptoms, especially in high-risk patients.

A large-scale UK Biobank cohort study found that exposure to any antipsychotic medication was associated with a 33% increased risk of all-cause dementia and a 90% increase in vascular dementia risk. This discovery highlights the complex question: **Can long-term use of antipsychotics cause dementia?** while underscoring the need for careful consideration of medication risks.

Anxiety is a common and distressing symptom affecting many individuals with dementia, with one study finding that between 1.2% and 28% of elderly patients in clinical settings suffer from anxiety disorders. Determining what is the best anxiety medication for dementia patients is a complex process that prioritizes non-pharmacological interventions before considering pharmaceuticals due to increased risks in this population.