memory Archives - Better Health While Aging

073 – Anticholinergic Medications & Protecting Brain Health

by Leslie Kernisan, MD MPH Leave a Comment

In This Episode:

Dr. K explains what older adults and families should know about anticholinergic medications and their negative impact on brain health. Many commonly used over-the-counter and prescription medications are anticholinergic, and on the Beer’s List of Medications Older Adults Should Avoid or Use With Caution. She covers:

What it means for a medication to be anticholinergic
The evidence linking anticholinergics with confusion, delirium, and dementia
Seven commonly used types of medication that are quite anticholinergic
Why it’s important to minimize anticholinergics if you’re worried about memory or have been diagnosed dementia
How you can determine whether you or your parent’s medications are anticholinergic
What to do, if you or an older person you care for is taking an anticholinergic medication

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048 – How Cerebral Small Vessel Disease Affects Most Aging Brains

by Leslie Kernisan, MD MPH 6 Comments

In This Episode:

Dr. K explains what to know about cerebral small vessel disease (SVD), a very common brain condition linked to cognitive decline, balance and walking problems, dementia, and other significant health issues. She covers:

Common terms used by radiologists to describe this condition, such as “white matter disease,””small vessel ischemia,” and others
What is cerebral SVD
What are the symptoms that can be caused by this condition
Risk factors and other potential causes for cerebral SVD
How to treat and prevent cerebral SVD
Why it’s not usually a good idea to request an MRI to check for this condition
What to do if you’re concerned about cerebral SVD for yourself or an older loved one

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026 – 4 Medications for Alzheimer’s & Other Dementias: FAQs & Tips

by Leslie Kernisan, MD MPH Leave a Comment

In This Episode:

Only four medications are FDA-approved for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Dr. K explains how they work and addresses frequently asked questions. She covers:

The two different categories of medication that are FDA-approved, and how they work to help people with dementia
The different stages of dementia, and how this relates to the FDA-approval of these drugs
How well these drugs work, and what families can expect
Common side-effects of these medications
Whether these medications work for mild cognitive impairment
When to consider stopping these medications
Which vitamins might also help treat Alzheimer’s disease
Practical tips for people considering these medications or already taking them

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020 – How to Diagnose & Treat Mild Cognitive Impairment

by Leslie Kernisan, MD MPH 2 Comments

In This Episode:

Dr. K responds to a reader who wants to know what works best for treating mild cognitive impairment. She covers:

How mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is defined and diagnosed
Whether having difficulty connecting names and faces is a sign of MCI
What a clinical evaluation for MCI should cover
The research on medications, exercise, and other approaches to treating MCI
What to know before taking a dementia medication such as donepezil (brand name Aricept) for MCI
9 ways to promote brain health

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008 – Interview: Helping Families with Memory Loss: The Care to Plan Online Tool

by Leslie Kernisan, MD MPH 4 Comments

In This Episode:

Dr. K talks with Professor Joseph Gaugler, PhD, an expert in family caregiving and dementia, who is on the faculty of the University of Minnesota’s Center on Aging. They discuss:

Care to Plan, a new online tool developed by Dr. Gaugler and his colleagues, designed to help family caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias
How Care to Plan uses an easy online 20-question assessment to create a personalized plan of support for family caregivers
Why different families may need to prioritize different support strategies
Seven different types of support that are known to help family caregivers: Education, Problem Solving, Support Groups, Change Your Thinking, Brain Health, Take a Break, and High-Powered Combinations
The benefits of attending a local university-led conference about memory loss and dementia, such as the University of Minnesota’s Caring for a Person with Memory Loss Conference

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