In the News

Medication Confusion a Problem for Many

According to a recent article from the Baltimore Sun, the thirteen percent of the U.S. population that is over 65 consumes one-third of all prescribed medication. And by 2040, twenty-five percent of the population will be over 65 and taking one-half of all prescribed medication. According to Dr. Daniel Budnitz of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, older adults "are at a greater risk for having problems" with their medications. "They are about twice as likely to end up in emergency rooms with drug safety problems than younger folks."

Much of the danger comes from what doctors refer to as "noncompliance"—taking the wrong dosages. Particularly for seniors with memory problems, remembering what dosages to take, and when, can be difficult. Further complicating the issue is the fact that, according to one study, one fourth of all seniors get prescriptions from five or more doctors. This issue is crucial for families who want to keep their loved ones at home for as long as possible—according to the Sun, another study concluded that 23 percent of new nursing home patients were admitted due to mismanaging their medication. One option for dealing with the issue is to have a registered nurse come into the home to organize an appropriate medication regimen. Another is to simply maintain open communication lines between the loved one, their doctor(s), and the caregiver. However you and your loved ones choose to handle this part of their care, remember, when it comes to medication, safety is paramount! Read More

Study: Melatonin and Sunlight May Aid Alzheimer's Patients

We all know the importance of maintaining good sleep patterns, for both ourselves and our loved ones. Yet, particularly for Alzheimer's patients, this can be difficult, since the disease disrupts sleep patterns. And as health declines, more and more time is most likely spent indoors, away from natural sunlight. This can create a vicious cycle, as long-term lack of exposure to natural light can further negatively affect sleep patterns.

A recent UCSF study determined that increased exposure to sunlight along with doses of melatonin, a naturally occurring hormone, can improve sleep patterns in Alzheimer's patients. According to a Reuters Health article on the study, "Over 10 weeks, the researchers found, the combination of light therapy and melatonin helped curb daytime sleepiness and increase patients' activity during the day. Light therapy alone, however, was ineffective." They were careful to note that it was unclear whether melatonin by itself would have yielded the same benefits; but research continues into this problem that is an issue for many caregivers and their loved ones. Note: Supplements such as melatonin should not be taken without the advice of a physician. Read More

To subscribe or unsubscribe to California Caregiver, please visit www.californiacrc.org/californiacrc/jsp/newsletter/registration.jsp