According to a recent article published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, too many seniors living in long-term care facilities who suffer from dementia are being prescribed drugs that cause them further cognitive impairment, such as confusion. The study showed that 60% of seniors who live in long-term care facilities are prescribed both cholinesterase inhibitors to treat the signs of dementia, and anticholinergic drugs, which often cause confusion and other cognitive impairments. However, only about 40% of seniors living in the community take both types of drugs. The seniors who are at the highest risk of the resulting drug interactions are those who are undergoing treatment by multiple doctors and those who reside in long-term care facilities.
As a result, the researchers involved in the study recommend that physicians more carefully monitor the multiple medications that vulnerable seniors often take for a wide variety of medical conditions. More specifically, doctors are not supposed to prescribe anticholinergic drugs for individuals with dementia, although they routinely do so. These drugs can treat medical conditions such as asthma, depression, sleep problems, and incontinence, in addition to symptoms caused by dementia. On its own, one such medication may not cause any unwanted side effects. However, when a patient with dementia takes more than one anticholinergic drug, he or she is at risk for complications. Although this study concerned seniors in Canada, similar results among American seniors with dementia are probable.
At Boller & Vaughan, we know firsthand just how prevalent the negative interactions of certain drugs can be, particularly with respect to the most vulnerable patients residing in healthcare facilities. If your family member has suffered abuse, neglect, or recurrent overmedication, we are here to protect your rights and represent your interests, no matter what the case may involve. Our law firm has the experience that you need in a case such as this, so that you can explore all of the options that are available to you, and decide what legal avenue to pursue. Call the Wisconsin nursing home neglect attorneys today at (608) 268-0268 and schedule a free appointment.
Boller & Vaughan, along with Seattle law firm Graham, Lundburg and Peschel, is proud to report a recent unanimous victory before the Washington Supreme Court. In this case, which involved an 83-year-old woman living in […]
When you place a loved one in a nursing home or other long-term care facility, you assume that facility and medical staff will adequately and properly care for him or her. However, with stories of […]
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We live in Friendship, Wisconsin, and Boller & Vaughan came to our doorstep to discuss our mother’s wrongful death claim on a Saturday morning. Not only were we pleased with the large recovery, we were so thankful to have lawyers who were willing to explain to us every twist and turn along the way. It is great to know there is a law firm that will fight for the rights of elderly people all over Wisconsin.
Mr. Boller and Ms. Vaughan were incredible in working on my case and my daughter’s case. I was out of work and in the hospital with a new baby. Mr. Boller and Ms. Vaughan protected our rights and it was a pleasure to work with them. I hope never to be in another motor vehicle accident, however, if I am and I am injured, I will contact Boller & Vaughan immediately.
I was referred to Michelle through a friend. I have never had a better experience. It took a little over a year to get my settlement but the staff there stayed in constant contact and kept me in the loop. Oh, and Michelle actually got me MORE money than we discussed. I will refer anyone to this firm. Words cannot do justice the thanks that I have for Michelle and her staff (Mary especially) thank you guys so much!
After my husband died as a result of a motor vehicle accident, Boller & Vaughan spent countless hours talking with me, meeting with me in person, and making sure that I was okay. The drunk driver who hit us did not have any insurance, and we had to make a claim through our own insurance. Boller & Vaughan was fantastic at explaining the law to me and the handling of our claims.
After my son was injured in a daycare setting, Ms. Vaughan took the time to thoroughly investigate our case and my son’s injuries. Michele was approachable and had answers to our questions. Talking with her helped to relieve many of our anxieties.
