scholarly journals Aromatherapy Versus Pharmaceutical Interventions for Dementia Related Behaviors Translating & Integrating Scholarship Practicum

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  

The elderly population is expected to double in the next thirty years increasing the number of individuals with the diagnosis of dementia. By proxy, dementia related behaviors such as agitation, anxiety and restless will also increase. Currently, pharmaceutical management of these behaviors include Ativan, Haldol and other psychotropic drugs which have side effects that place individuals at risk for falls and at times even aggravate the behaviors. Although, not widely researched, aromatherapy is a safe alternative to treating Dementia related behaviors. Research shows aromatherapy has a calming and relaxing effect which can be measured physiologically.

1990 ◽  
Vol 5 (5) ◽  
pp. 301-308
Author(s):  
V Kovess ◽  
M Ortun

SummaryFrench publications on psychotropics are curiously few. Data are available and French consumption of psychotropics, at least minor tranquilizers has been consistently reported as being higher than that found in other countries. The authors attempt to answer three questions: is French consuption of psychotropics really higher than other countries? Who is consuming those drugs? In which context? After having reviewed comparative data on sales, data from population surveys are analysed together with samples of prescriptions by different categories of physicians. It seems likely that French people consume more anxiolytics but this does not apply to other psychotropic drugs. Given the fact that drugs are almost free of charge in France, it is always difficult to discriminate between what has been prescribed and what has been taken. Overconsumption of anxiolytics is due to the overconsumption of the elderly population (over 60). Minor tranquilizers are mainly prescribed by general practitioners for psychological reasons.


In modern day technology, among the elderly population, there is an increased cases of dementia. However, there is a delay in dementia diagnosis over the past years. So there is a primary requirement for improving diagnosis of dementia in every part of the nation across the world. However, Dementia screening remains controversial, although strong preference is given for screening dementia, mainly for hospital inpatients. Here the objective is to implement screening, to alert family members about the condition of patients. The entire screening process is achieved using Robotic Process Automation where automatic screening and validation of the mental state of the elderly people is recognized and shared with their respective family members


Author(s):  
Manish A. Fozdar ◽  
Jacob C. Holzer

From a medical-legal viewpoint, psychopharmacological management in the elderly population requires a multifaceted, comprehensive approach, involving a detailed clinical diagnostic assessment, an awareness of a patient’s current medical status, risk factors, and an understanding of the risks and benefits of various treatment options. Several risk management strategies can be employed as part of the treatment process, which are reviewed in this chapter. Special attention is needed in the pharmacological management of the elderly population with respect to efficacy and risk as well as polypharmacy. It is important that clinicians have a broad understanding of the different medication classes, including antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, cognitive-enhancing medications, benzodiazepines, sedative-hypnotics, and stimulants; specific agents; indications; kinetics; and side effects in both the clinical management of elderly patients and in medical-legal consultation.


1996 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 118-129 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deanna M. Guith

Clozapine (Clozaril®, Sandoz, East Hanover, NJ), an atypical antipsychotic agent with pharmacological properties considerably different from standard neuroleptics, has been found to be of great benefit especially to patients with treatment-resistant psychotic disorders. However, it is these unique pharmacological properties that have also been associated with mul tiple side effects ranging from the relatively benign (ie, sialorrhea during sleep, dizziness) to the potentially fatal (ie, agranulocytosis, seizures, and respiratory depression) which have limited its use. These untoward side effects are particularly problematic in the elderly population who often have concomitant medi cal illnesses requiring multiple medication regimens, including psychotropics that may interact with cloza pine (ie, benzodiazepines, cimetidine, fluoxetine). Because even the most benign of side effects has the potential of becoming fatal in certain circumstances if left unaddressed, it is imperative for patients, clinicians, pharmacists, and all health care professionals to be aware of adverse reactions and possible complica tions of clozapine therapy to prevent significant morbidity and mortality. Copyright © 1996 by W.B. Saunders Company


2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (Supplement_4) ◽  
pp. iv34-iv39
Author(s):  
Angelene Teo ◽  
Arturo Vilches-Moraga ◽  
John Staniland

Abstract Background Midodrine hydrochloride is an alpha-1 agonist that has been used in the management of syncope in patients with orthostatic hypotension, vasovagal syncope and vasodepressor carotid sinus syndrome when non-pharmacological means have failed. However, there are very limited information about its use, tolerability and side effects among the elderly population. Objectives We aim to document effectiveness of Midodrine in patients who have been diagnosed with neurocardiogenic syncope assessed and managed at a specialist falls and syncope outpatient unit. We monitored for changes in patients' symptoms, adverse reactions reported and optimum drug dosages that have shown benefit in this cohort of patients. Methods A prospective observational study of 33 subjects aged between 68 and 94 (mean age 79) who have been started on Midodrine therapy following positive tilt table test or confirmed diagnosis of symptomatic orthostatic hypotension despite conservative managements. They have been followed up for a mean of 2.9 years. Results 81% of patients( n=27) reported significant improvement in their symptoms. Although 7 patients reported adverse reactions to Midodrine, the majority of the patients tolerated the therapy well and continued on the treatment except for one patient who experienced gastrointestinal discomfort and withdrew completely. Commonest side effects are pruritus and piloerection, but they are not amenable to treatment due to underlying mechanism of action of Midodrine on hair follicles. The dosage varies from 2.5mg to 10mg, taken at 8am, 12pm and 5pm due to risk of nocturnal supine hypertension. Higher dose did not correlate with higher possibility of experiencing side effects. Conclusion Midodrine appears to be effective, safe and well tolerated among the elderly population. It should be considered in the management of patients with neurocardiogenic syncope when non-pharmacological means have failed, irrespective of age. This observational study requires further confirmation by randomised control studies with larger sample size.


2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 103-114 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jia Zhao ◽  
Mengxia Zhu ◽  
Mukesh Kumar ◽  
Fung Yin Ngo ◽  
Yinghui Li ◽  
...  

Background & Objective: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) affect an increasing number of the elderly population worldwide. The existing treatments mainly improve the core symptoms of AD and PD in a temporary manner and cause alarming side effects. Naturally occurring flavonoids are well-documented for neuroprotective and neurorestorative effects against various neurodegenerative diseases. Thus, we analyzed the pharmacokinetics of eight potent natural products flavonoids for the druggability and discussed the neuroprotective and neurorestorative effects and the underlying mechanisms. Conclusion: This review provides valuable clues for the development of novel therapeutics against neurodegenerative diseases.


2021 ◽  

Quick and comprehensive information on psychotropic drugs for adults. - Accurate and up-to-date - Comparison charts help decision-making - Icons and full color - Available in print and online - Downloadable patient info sheets More about this book The Clinical Handbook of Psychotropic Drugs has become a standard reference and working tool for psychiatrists, psychologists, physicians, pharmacists, nurses, and other mental health professionals. - Independent, unbiased, up-to-date -Packed with unique, easy-to-read comparison charts and tables (dosages, side effects, pharmacokinetics, interactions…) for a quick overview of treatment options - Succinct, bulleted information on all classes of medication: on- and off-label indications, (US FDA, Health Canada), recommended dosages, US and Canadian trade names, side effects, interactions, pharmacodynamics, precautions in the young, the elderly, and pregnancy, nursing implications, and much more – all you need to know for each class of drug -Potential interactions and side effects summarized in comparison charts -With instantly recognizable icons and in full color throughout, allowing you to find at a glance all the information you seek -Clearly written patient information sheets available for download as printable PDF files This book is a must for everyone who needs an up-to-date, easy-to-use, comprehensive summary of all the most relevant information about psychotropic drugs.


2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-3
Author(s):  
Ali Shahriari ◽  
Maryam Khooshideh ◽  
Mahdi Sheikh

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a highly effective nonpharmacologic treatment for the management of depression and some other psychiatric disorders. Post-ECT agitation occurs in up to 12% of ECT treatments and is characterized by motor restlessness, irritability, disorientation, and panic-like behaviors. The severity of post-ECT agitation ranges from mild and self-limited to serious and severe forms requiring prompt medical intervention to protect the patient and the medical staff. In severe agitation medical management may be necessary which consists of using sedative agents, either benzodiazepines or propofol. The side-effects of these sedative agents, especially in the elderly population, necessitate finding ways that could help the prevention of the occurrence of agitation after ECT treatments. We report a 68-year-old female with major depression who was referred for ECT. She experienced severe post-ECT agitation requiring medical intervention after all ECT treatments. Administering of oral amlodipine (5 mg) one hour before ECT treatment successfully prevented the occurrence of post-ECT agitation in this patient. We briefly discuss the possible underlying mechanisms and pathophysiology of amlodipine in the prevention of post-ECT agitation.


2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 193 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel Williams, PhD, MS ◽  
Nevzeta Bosnic, BA ◽  
Ashlee W. Duncan, PhD, MS ◽  
Michael Brogan, BA ◽  
Suzanne F. Cook, PhD

Background: Although opioid analgesics are effective therapeutic agents, gastrointestinal (GI) side effects represent a challenging consequence of treatment. In an elderly population, age-related physiological changes, such as decreased GI functioning and dehydration, may compound the adverse effects of opioids; therefore, appropriate prophylactic treatment, utilizing laxatives and/or acid suppressants, is particularly important in an elderly population.Aim: This study describes the prevalence of outpatient opioid dispensings and the concomitant dispensing of opioids and GI medications in a population 65 years or older enrolled in the Ontario Drug Benefit Program in 2005.Methods: Using a retrospective cohort design, dispensings of opioids, laxatives, and acid suppressants were identified using claims reimbursement data. Concurrent dispensings were defined as having at least one “GI medication-dispensed day” overlapping an “opioid-dispensed day.”Results: More than 18 percent of the elderly, drug plan population was dispensed an opioid in 2005. Women had more opioid dispensings and were dispensed opioids for extended periods of time as compared with men. Approximately half of patients with an opioid dispensing were concomitantly dispensed a GI medication; these medications were dispensed nearly twice as frequently among people with chronic opioid dispensings when compared with people with nonchronic opioid dispensings.Conclusions: Although laxatives are commonly recommended in patients taking opioids, only half of the older adults in Ontario who were dispensed an opioid also received a concomitant GI medication dispensing. As the elderly are more likely to develop opioid-induced constipation, the prophylactic use of laxatives and/or acid suppressant medications is often necessary to mitigate the side effects associated with their pain management.


1996 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 244-250
Author(s):  
Valerie J. Wirth ◽  
Joe Gieck

Growth hormone is one of the many dangerous and illegal ergogenic aids currently used by athletes. In those who suffer from a growth hormone deficiency, supplementation does produce positive results: Muscle volume increases while adipose tissue volume is significantly reduced. Growth hormone supplementation can also lead to strength increases in the deficient population (2, 6, 13) as well as in the elderly population (16, 18, 25). In healthy young men, growth hormone supplementation has been shown to increase fat-free mass and to decrease fat mass. However, these changes are not accompanied by strength gains (5, 7, 23, 24). This finding, coupled with the numerous side effects associated with the drug, presents a strong case for athletes to abandon its use as an ergogenic aid.


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