Cholinesterase inhibitors are found in the drug Donepezil. Researchers concluded that those on Donepezil or those with more cholinesterase inhibitors, were at a higher risk for bradycardia. Older patients with bradycardia were more than twice as likely to have recently started a cholinesterase inhibitor compared to those without bradycardia.
Bradycardia can be asymptomatic but it can cause fainting, palpitations, shortness of breath or sometimes death. Clinicians must be mindful of Donepezil's side effects before giving a patient the drug.
If you know an elderly person who is having trouble managing their finances, it does not mean that they are careless, but it could mean something more serious. A recent survey printed in Neurology, the journal of American Academy of Neurology by the University of Alabama, Birmingham, showed that if an elderly person is having difficulties with managing their finances, it may be an early warning sign of Alzheimer's.The researched surveyed 87 people with mild cognitive impairment and 76 people with no memory problems. The subjects were observed while balancing a checkbook, understanding bank statements, paying bills, preparing the bills to be mailed, and counting coins. Over the year that they were observed, 25 of those with MCI had advanced into Alzheimer's.
The director of University of Alabama, Birmingham, Daniel Marson, explained, "Declining financial skills are detectable in patients with mild cognitive impairment in the year before their conversion to Alzheimer's disease."
Therefore, it is very important to keep an eye on the elderly persons in your family, to make sure that they are able to manage their money matters, before it turns into something serious.
Dr. Kathy Johnson, PhD, CMC
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