In many Alzheimer’s patients, symptoms might be side effects of drug use

A cruel hoax in hiding

They are like the Pez of the medical world. People pop them all day, without giving it a second thought.

Of course we’ve known for years that acetaminophen is anything but harmless.

And still, it’s somewhat shocking to learn that it might be causing one of today’s most dreaded diseases.

That’s a horrific scenario. But it looks more and more like it might be a reality.

Peeling back the meds

About 15 years ago, researchers investigating arthritis pain relievers noticed something odd. Acetaminophen use appeared to parallel Alzheimer’s risk.

That’s staggering. Especially when you consider… In a recent survey, one in five people said they were “heavy users” of the drug. Many said they took it EVERY day. (That’s even more than Pez!)

If the dementia danger were ONLY in acetaminophen, that would be a crisis. But according to a new Wall St. Journal report, it’s just one link in a long chain.

Make that a VERY long chain. More than 100 drugs can mimic dementia symptoms.

With some of these drugs, there’s no surprise. They have a direct effect on the brain.

Several sleep aids, tranquilizers, painkillers, and anti-psychotic drugs made the list. But also included are drugs for incontinence, acid-reflux, and blood pressure.

One doctor told WSJ that cognitive symptoms “vanish” in many cases when medication is stopped. He added… “I have had people referred to me with a clear history of dementia and when I started to peel back the medications, they were much better.”

Another specialist put it more bluntly… “Every Alzheimer’s expert living today has been fooled.”

You can say the same about many doctors. They dole out pills like gumballs for their elderly patients. The result… A recent study found that 30% of Alzheimer’s patients might be misdiagnosed.

If you’re the caretaker of someone with dementia or Alzheimer’s, talk to their doctor about this immediately. Reducing their medications might work a miracle.

Sources:
“Detective Work: The False Alzheimer’s Diagnosis” Melinda Beck, Wall St. Journal, 8/27/12, online.wsj.com

“Is Alzheimer’s Disease Caused by Paracetamol?” Walter Last, Nexus, February-March 2011, nexusmagazine.com