This month, I’m turning the words of this column over to Carl Skrabacz, a retired pharmacist. Carl heads up the Health division of our Senior Task Force.
Worried About Your Memory?
By Carl Skrabcz
We all expect that some memory loss will occur as we grow older. How much of this loss is acceptable and to be expected is the big question? Your physician can prescribe various tests to measure memory loss and will likely want to rule out some variables before the prescribed tests.
There are four commonly used types of medications that Slow Brain Function. Here are two of them. If you are taking one or more of these, your physician will determine their necessity before any other extensive memory testing.
Benzodiazepines: This class of medication is often prescribed to help with sleeping and or anxiety. Some patients started taking a “benzo” in their younger years and have continued into their senior years. As we age our metabolism slows considerably and this class of medication tends to stay active in our body for longer periods.
Some commonly prescribed benzodiazepines include brand names Ativan, Valium, Restoril, and Xanax. Note that it can be dangerous to stop benzodiazepines suddenly; they should always be tapered, under medical supervision. It can take up to 22 weeks to safely taper off of a Benzodiazepine.
Non-Benzodiazepine (prescription) Sedatives: Clinical studies have shown that these drugs impair thinking and balance in the short-term. These sedatives will impair balance – be careful as you walk to the bathroom in the middle of the night. And some studies have linked these drugs to dementia.
The most common brand names of this class are Ambien, Sonata, and Lunesta.
Seniors taking either of these drug categories should have a discussion with their physician about alternative (often non-drug) therapies and/or tapering to a lower dose.
Chuckle Time: I haven’t lost my mind. Half of it just wandered off and the other half is looking for it.
