Study: Weight Loss Among Elderly Caused by Dementia Drugs

Weight loss is something most people try to achieve. However, as an individual ages, it seems to be one of those changes in the body that you can't control. The elderly has a tendency to lose most of their body weight, and a study has discovered a major culprit - their intake of dementia drugs.

According to a study from the University of California at San Francisco, dementia drugs made up of cholinesterase inhibitors are directly linked to the unintentional and dangerous weight loss among the elderly and further leading to damage in the gastrointestinal system, Care Home UK reports.

The team of researchers have observed about 1188 patients who are 65 years and older, diagnosed with dementia, and who are currently taking either donepezil, galantamine or rivastigmine. Nearly a third of the patients have experienced severe weight loss after a year, in which one out of 21 individuals has been reported to lose up to 10 pounds.

Head of research James Pickett from the Alzheimer's Society has commented that the research may help doctors be vigilant of the potential side effects of dementia drugs and as treatment is limited, more study should be conducted to find better cure for improving the symptoms

Dementia is a condition found in most older people where there is a decline in the cognitive function of the brain and can severely interfere with a person's daily routine, RX Daily writes.

Alzheimer's disease is one of the most common type of this disease and while symptoms vary, people affected by this illness are said to have memory, focus and reasoning problems. Cholinesterase inhibitors function as a nerve transmission booster to stop these symptoms from occurring.

Dr. Meera Sheffrin, lead author of the study, said these findings can lead experts to develop and look for better patient care methods as dangerous weight loss may lead to increased mortality, decreased functional capabilities and poor quality of life.

The Wiire adds that out of 10 old people, six have been seen with signs of dementia and as they are more prone to using dementia drugs, they have an increased risk of sudden weight loss and higher chances of mortality.

Furthermore, clinical studies have identified that these individuals have also became less active and energetic, which causes weakness and other problems related to liver and heart concerns.

The study has been published in the journal The American Geriatrics Society.