Opioid Use Not Tied to Alzheimer’s?

Recently, opioid use has been cited as a major issue within the United States. Not only is the federal government cracking down on the epidemic that is having a negative impact on so many lives, but smaller governmental bodies and even private institutions are making strides to help people understand the risk of misusing this type of drug.

 

Not too long ago, there was a study published out of the United States that indicated that prolonged opioid use was associated with an increased risk of dementia, namely Alzheimer’s disease. This was one of the first major studies to make this claim, so other researchers have been attempting to replicate the findings in order to confirm whether opioid use really is associated with the rise of cases of Alzheimer’s disease.

 

The University of Eastern Finland conducted a similar study and found that there is not a link between prolonged opioid use or cumulatively high doses of opioids in comparison to the risk of developing dementia. This certainly doesn’t mean that opioid use is always safe, or that it doesn’t have a relationship with Alzheimer’s, but it does mean that this study puts the findings of other studies in question.

 

This does happen occasionally in the world of science. Research studies can have unpredictable results at times, and this is why creating strong research designs is so important. It’s hard to tell which study is accurate, and perhaps under the design that was implemented, they were both correct. Opioid usage can be dangerous, and it’s important that if you have questions about the drug that you speak to a trusted doctor. This painkiller can do a lot of good, especially for individuals that suffer from pain, chronic or otherwise. But there is also a lot of bad that the drug can do, especially if it is misused. For now, the verdict on this issue will remain unclear.

 

A new study brings previous research into question regarding opioids and Alzheimer’s.

 

Many of our elderly loved ones deal with chronic pain, and their physicians may prescribe opioids from time to time. Sometimes this is the right choice, but you might have misgivings about it. Be sure to talk about your concerns with your doctor, and ensure that it really is the right move. This might be something that is prescribed short term, but oftentimes, other long term solutions are needed, such as in-home care, physical therapy, or even counseling. There are alternatives out there, and some studies have shown that they might even be more effective than opioids. Having a loving and compassionate individual to work with can often make a world of difference in someone’s life. This is why having a skilled professional caregiver on your side can make such a difference. Even when the care is nonmedical in nature, the compassion and kindness that comes with it can have a positive impact on lives.

 

Opioid addiction is a separate issue. If you believe that this is an issue that needs to be dealt with in your family, please get in touch with a medical professional for guidance.

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