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Nursing Homes’ Misuse of Medications May Increase Risk of Dementia

On Behalf of | Sep 17, 2014 | Elder Abuse, Law Articles, Nursing home Abuse, Nursing Home Neglect

Nursing Homes’ Misuse of Medications May Increase Risk of Dementia

Another study concludes that benzodiazepine use is associated with an increase risk of Alzheimer’s disease. This recent study states that unwarranted, long term use of benzodiazepine drugs should be considered as a public health concern. Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs mainly used to treat anxiety or insomnia. Unfortunately, nursing homes and assisted living facilities are increasingly using these medications to sedate the elderly. This class of drugs has a negative effect on memory and cognition, which is well documented, and has been known to possibly increase the risk of dementia. Benzodiazepines include: Xanax, Valium, Ativan and Klonopin.

Benzodiazepines also increase a resident’s risk for falls, which are often fatal in nursing homes.

At York Law Firm, we have been investigating and handling medication errors and the use of improper drugs by nursing homes and other care facilities since 1996. If you believe your loved one has been the victim of elder abuse or neglect in a nursing home or assisted living facility, or believe your family has a wrongful death claim, please call our office so that we can investigate your case at 916-643-2200 or contact us online. We are dedicated to representing families whose elders and dependent adults who have been injured, neglected or abused.

To read the recently published case study, click here: http://www.bmj.com/content/349/bmj.g5205\.

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