alex revision
June 7th, 2009, 08:52 AM
Over-the-counter drugs up elderly brain damage
Sun, 07 Jun 2009 13:28:25 GMT
http://www.presstv.com/detail.aspx?id=97338§ionid=3510210
Taking common over-the-counter (OTC) drugs for pain, cold symptoms or sleep disorders places the elderly at a greater risk of cognitive problems.
According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Interventions in Aging, individuals aged 65 and older who take certain OTC medications and sleep aids are at an increased risk of developing delirium or a decline in attention-focus, perception and cognition.
The high benadryl (diphenhydramine) -- a molecule that blocks the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, responsible for the normal function of the central and peripheral nervous systems -- content of these drugs accounts for the cognitive impairment among its senior users.
Scientists concluded that any OTC medication with the term 'PM' including Benadryl, Dramamine, Excedrin PM, Nytol, Sominex, Tylenol PM and Unisom is bad for the brain.
They therefore urged elderly individuals to consult their doctors before taking any OTC medication, adding that the FDA should include the negative impacts of such medications on the aging brain on their labeling.
Sun, 07 Jun 2009 13:28:25 GMT
http://www.presstv.com/detail.aspx?id=97338§ionid=3510210
Taking common over-the-counter (OTC) drugs for pain, cold symptoms or sleep disorders places the elderly at a greater risk of cognitive problems.
According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Interventions in Aging, individuals aged 65 and older who take certain OTC medications and sleep aids are at an increased risk of developing delirium or a decline in attention-focus, perception and cognition.
The high benadryl (diphenhydramine) -- a molecule that blocks the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, responsible for the normal function of the central and peripheral nervous systems -- content of these drugs accounts for the cognitive impairment among its senior users.
Scientists concluded that any OTC medication with the term 'PM' including Benadryl, Dramamine, Excedrin PM, Nytol, Sominex, Tylenol PM and Unisom is bad for the brain.
They therefore urged elderly individuals to consult their doctors before taking any OTC medication, adding that the FDA should include the negative impacts of such medications on the aging brain on their labeling.