Master of Memory – Medications & Memory Function

1. Master of Memory – Medications & Memory Function Andrew B. Crocker Extension Program Specialist – Gerontology Health Texas Cooperative Extension The Texas A&M University System 2006

2. Two Types of Intelligence Crystallized Fluid Three Types of Memory Sensory Short-term Long-term Three Types of Learner Auditory Visual Kinesthetic Memory Strategies Concentration Association Repetition Relaxation Let’s Review. . .

3. Let’s Review. . . • Your brain makes up ~2% of your weight but requires ~30% of your body’s energy • Physical conditions linked to nutrition can affect memory • Clogged Arteries • High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) • Dehydration

4. Let’s Review. . . • Your body is ~60% water • Increasing age increases risk for dehydration • Nutritional supplements • NOT regulated by the government • Do NOT go through trials like other medications • ALWAYS consult with your healthcare provider if you choose to take a supplement

5. Things You Should Know. . . • Prescription Medication • Medicines that are safe and effective when used under a health provider’s care, as determined by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) • Over the Counter (OTC) Medication • Medicines the FDA decides are safe and effective for use without a health provider's prescription

6. Things You Should Know. . . • Herb/Herbal Supplement • Compounds not regulated by the FDA • May or may not be tested for efficacy • May have unexpected interactions with other medications

7. Medications & Memory • Many medications have a negative effect on memory • Substances such as caffeine, nicotine and alcohol may affect your memory • You should know what medications you are taking and be aware of their side-effects

8. Medication Risks • Many medications have only been tested on college-aged and young adults • Older bodies process medications differently • Increased body fat • Decreased muscle mass • Decreased rate of “clearance” • Adverse reactions with other medications

9. Amphetamines Stimulant Analgesics (Narcotic) Drowsiness Depressant Anti-anxiety Drowsiness Depressant Anti-depressants Drowsiness Anti-diabetics Anti-histamines Drowsiness Anti-hypertensives Drowsiness Reduced blood flow Medications

10. Anti-psychotics Drowsiness Depressant Sedatives Drowsiness Depressant Diuretics Dehydration Nutrient Depletion These are not the only medications that may cause problems Consult with your healthcare provider about any concern over medications Medications

11. Caffeine • Caffeine is known to increase alertness • May cause you to be jittery - making it hard to concentrate • Caffeine may also prevent sleep • Sleep is needed for memory consolidation

12. Nicotine • Nicotine is found in all tobacco products • Smoking is bad for general health • May reduce amount of Oxygen available for the brain

13. Alcohol • Alcohol has most significant effect on short-term memory • Excessive drinking may interfere with long-term memory • Alcohol affects alertness and ability to learn new information • As we age, our bodies process alcohol more slowly

14. “Memory Pills” • NOT regulated by the government • Do NOT go through trials like other medications • May have SERIOUS impact on other medications being taken • ALWAYS consult with your healthcare provider if you choose to take a supplement

15. “Memory Pills” • Ginkgo Biloba • May affect blood flow • Harmful for persons with bleeding conditions • St. John’s Wort • May affect concentration & stability • Harmful for persons with balance problems

16. Piracetum Hydergine Cetrophenozine Genseng Glutathione Arginine Taurine Germanium Inositol Phosphatidylserine GABA DMAE N-ALC DHEA “Memory Pills”

17. Polypharmacy • Use of more than one medication • Combinations of medications may cause memory problems • Talk with ALL of your healthcare providers regarding your medications

18. Reducing Medication Risks • Keep a list of medications and discuss with your healthcare provider • Keep track of side-effects and report to healthcare provider • Take medications as prescribed • Don’t share medications with others • Use an organizer to keep track of medications

19. Stretch Your Brain! • “So I says. . . .”* • So I says to the emcee at the event, I says. . . • So I says to the man changing my flat tire, I says. . . • So I says to the woman wearing denim pants, I says. . . • So I says to the man with the ponytail, I says. . . *Wetzel, K. and Harmeyer, K. (1999). Mind Games: The Aging Brain and How to Keep It Healthy. Delmar Thompson Learning: New York.

20. Homework Time • Try to come up with some “So I says” on your own • Please feel free to share these at our next meeting! • Make your medication list!

21. Acknowledgements • This lesson has been graciously reviewed by • Joseph R. Sharkey, PhD, MPH, RD School of Rural and Public Health Texas A&M University Health Science Center • Barry A. Browne, PharmD College of Medicine Texas A&M University Health Science Center

22. References • Benjamin, Jr., LT, JR Hopkins & JR Nation. (1994). Psychology. 3rd edition. New York: Macmillan College Publishing Company. • Butler, RN, MI Lewis & T Sunderland. (1998). Aging and Mental Health. 5th edition. New York: Prentice Hall. • Chou, JY & CM Brown. (2002). “Receptivity to Peer Teaching and Peer Learning About the Safe and Appropriate Use of Medications Among Older Adults.” Educational Gerontology 28. pp 761-75. • Duyff, RL. (1998). The American Dietetic Association’s Complete Guide to Food and Nutrition. Minneapolis: Chronimed Publishing. • Fogler, J & L Stern. (1994).Improving Your Memory. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. • Garfunkel, F & G Landau. (1981). A Memory Retention Course for the Aged. Washington, D.C.: The National Council on the Aging. • Grayson, C, ed. (2004). “Brain Boosters: Eating for the Mind.” http://my.webmd.com/content/Article/11/1671_50418.htm. Last Accessed: 19 July 2006. • Guyton, AC & JE Hall. (1996). Textbook of Medical Physiology. 9th edition. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders Company. • Ham, R & P Sloane. (1997). Primary Care Geriatrics: A Case Based Approach. 3rd edition. St. Louis: Mosby.

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