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Common painkillers could cause adverse effects in people with dementia, according to research.
Scientists based in the UK and Norway found opioid-based drugs were linked to negative side effects in personality changes, confusion and sedation in patients with dementia
The findings of the two studies in the field of dementia are set to be presented to the Alzheimer's Association International Conference, 2018 this week, and therefore not having been peer reviewed.
Rather than a single disease, dementia is an umbrella term used to describe disorders that cause symptoms including debilitating memory problems and a decline in thinking skills. The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer's, which is estimated to be about 5.7 million Americans currently living with
. But the pain often goes under-diagnosed and is poorly managed when it is caught, past studies have shown. Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is usually the first-choice painkiller for clinicians, followed by opioid treatments, the authors noted.
As it becomes harder for patients to communicate, treating their pain can be difficult. As Such, Researchers at the University of Exeter, UK, King's College, UK, and the University of Bergen, Norway, were selected by the University of Bergen, the University of Bergen, Norway (19659002). Norwegian residents who have been diagnosed with advanced dementia and depression. Patients with severe pain were excluded
The results of this study were given to the opioid buprenorphine (which is presumed to be up to 15 percent of dementia patients in countries where the drug is available). the baseline, compared to those who took acetaminophen or placebo. These patients were also significantly less active than others, the authors said.
In a separate study by the University of Exeter Medical School, researchers found that Alzheimer's responses to lower doses of morphine ease pain than those without the neurodegenerative disorder. They also had a greater impact when their dose was raised. The mice given morphine also produced more endorphins and other types of the body's natural painkillers, the authors found.
The Team Concludes the Dose of Opioid Painkillers (19659002) Professor Clive Ballard of the Age-Related Diseases Department at the University of Exeter Medical School said in a statement: "Sadly at the moment , we're trying to break up their bread. We urgently need more research in this area, and we must get this dosing right. "
Ballard told Newsweek That he hopes to study" involving a concerted effort to reduce prescribing, involving everyone involved in dementia ". treatment and care. We need to explore nonpharmacological alternatives to improve care. "
Sally Copley, director of policy campaigns and partnerships at the UK-based charity Alzheimer's Society, who was not involved in the study, said the phone calls the organization receiving its helpline It is important to know that it is important to manage patients in this field.
"It is not clear if the results would be the same for people with severe pain," said Copley.
Dr. Laura Phipps of the Alzheimer's Research UK, who did not work on the study, said: "Previous studies have also highlighted the effects of other medications used to treat people with dementia, including antipsychotic drugs to treat agitation and aggression. [19659002] "With dementia, it is important to explore how dose regimens can be used for dementia, as well as researching nondrug interventions that help to maintain the best quality of life possible while minimizing
Anyone worried about the main drug they have been prescribed should contact their doctor, she said.
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