Memantine, an antidementia drug, has been linked with a high risk of developing pneumonia, concludes a new study by the University of Eastern Finland. Rivastigmine patches, another treatment agent for mild to moderate cases of dementia, have been associated with high-risk factors as well. Authors of the study concluded the memantine and rivastigmine led to a 1.6 and 1.15 times high risk of pneumonia, respectively. However, authors caution that the number may be even higher since only cases of the condition that led to hospitalization or death were recorded.
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This is a breakthrough study since there has been no previous research on the link between different antidementia drugs and pneumonia risk. The authors began their study with the knowledge that there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, and many of the patients often have comorbid conditions. Usually, these illnesses are related to their psychological well-being; a lot of patients with Alzheimer’s being diagnosed with anxiety or depression. However, most patients also complain of failing health.
For the most part, health practitioners attributed this to the patient’s inability to take care of themselves – their forgetfulness being used as a reason. Nothing was suspected of the patient’s treatment plan. Scientists then began to notice that pneumonia became one of the most common causes of hospitalization among patients with Alzheimer’s disease. It is also the leading cause of death in this population.
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These conclusions can be used to forewarn families of patients of the various side effects of their loved one’s medication. This can also be used by internal specialists when designing their treatment plan.
Dr. Lisa Marie Cannon specializes in pulmonary conditions such as tuberculosis and pneumonia. Learn more when you subscribe to this blog.
