5 Fall-Preventing Core Exercises for Seniors

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Core exercises for seniors can be very important. Did you know that if your elderly loved one doesn’t have a strong core, they are more at risk of fall-related injuries? The core is comprised of back muscles, abdominal muscles, hips and pelvic muscles, as well as the muscles along the spine.
Without a strong core, you will be more prone to poor balance and limited mobility because all of your movements are generated from the core. This means that if the core is weak, other muscles of your body need to work twice as hard to catch up. For this reason, seniors are more prone to injuries. However, it’s never too late for your elderly loved one to change their lifestyle and develop core strength.

Benefits of Core Strength Exercises

One of the many benefits of exercise is that it’s proven to slow down the process of aging. Adding core exercises to your elderly loved one’s workout routine is essential for their overall health. It improves their stability, coordination, stamina, posture, stability, and prevents injuries. Here are other benefits your loved one will get from core exercises:

• Prevent injuries: Since seniors are prone to injuries, it’s important to prevent them in the first place. Core exercises can help you do just that by improving strength and flexibility.
• Improve balance and stability: The spine helps improve balance and stability. A strong core helps your loved one’s body to properly support the spine. In turn, they will have a stronger sense of center of gravity, keeping their balance and allows them to become more confident in their movement.
• Develop bodily strength: Studies show that a strong core greatly improves body strength in older adults by over 30%.
• Daily tasks are easier to do: Without a strong core, your loved one will have difficulty in doing simple tasks, such as getting up from a sitting position, bending down to tie shoelaces, or even walking. Developing core strength makes it easier for your loved one to perform daily activities and improves reaction time.
• Reduce pain: Seniors are prone to suffer from lower back pain. Core exercises aids in stimulating these muscles by stretching them and strengthening them, therefore reducing the pain they feel from these chronic conditions.

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Adding core strengthening to your loved one’s routine will significantly improve their quality of life, allowing them to be independent as long as possible. Here are five easy core exercises they can easily follow by themselves or with a personal trainer.
Disclaimer: Before starting any type of exercise, especially core exercise for seniors, make sure to consult with your doctor or your healthcare provider to determine whether the exercise is right for your health needs and level of fitness.

5 Great Core Exercises for Seniors

1. Wood Chops

Wood chops is a type of exercise that hits almost every muscle in the core. Plus, it also challenges your balance. This exercise is super simple since it’s very similar to a task most of us do on a daily basis: loading and unloading the dishwasher.

1. Hold your hands together in front of you while your feet are a bit wider than your shoulders.
2. Raise your arms to the left side of your head.
3. Properly squat down as you do a chopping motion of your arms diagonally towards the opposite side of your body. Keep your core tight as you do so.
4. Repeat the chopping motion back to the top.
5. Do at least 10 reps and then switch to the other side.

2. Side Bends

This exercise targets your oblique muscles that are located along the sides of your trunk. These muscles assist in bending sideways and rotation of the body. Side bends are a great way to strengthen the oblique muscles improve range of motion.

1. Sit on a sturdy chair with your feet flat on the floor.
2. Put your right hand on the back of your head and the left arm outstretched to one side.
3. Mimic the motion of reaching toward the floor by leaning over to your side.
4. As you bend over, tighten your oblique muscles then return to initial position.
5. Remember not to let your chest fall forward. As you do the exercise, keep your feet flat on the floor.
6. Repeat for at least five times on every side.

3. Pelvic Tilts

The pelvis is located by your lower abdomen. It’s important to strengthen these muscles as it supports the torso and the pelvis. Pelvic tilts are one of the best ways to do so since it stimulates and strengthens your lower abdominals.

1. Sit on a sturdy chair and keep your back straight as you put your hand on your thighs.
2. Take a deep breath and then exhale as you draw your navel into the spine – hollowing your belly and tucking in your tailbone.
3. Inhale deeply to release back to starting position.
4. Repeat for about 10-12 times.

4. Chair Planks

Planks develop the muscles found deep in your core that’s not easily targeted by other exercises. It’s one of the best abdominal exercises for seniors since it strengthens and stabilizes the traverse abdominal muscles. However, you would have to learn how to engage these muscles by drawing in the belly button. Plus, it also helps with posture.

1. Put a sturdy chair against a wall facing you. Make sure to keep other furniture and object away from you to avoid any injury.
2. As you face the chair, stand straight and place the heels of your hands on the edge of the seat – by the front legs on both corners.
3. Hold that position and take a few steps back until your head, shoulders, hips, and feet form a long line.
4. Make sure you are comfortable with the distance between your feet and the chair, so you can hold the position comfortably while maintaining the proper position.
5. Squeeze your heels together and ensure that your hands and shoulders are aligned straightly.
6. Stay in this position for 30 or as long as you can. Concentrate on tightening your core by drawing your belly button towards the spine. Do this exercise for three to five repetitions.

5. Superman

The superman exercise develops your lower and upper back, as well as your glute muscles. This helps you to easily perform movements, such as bending over or sitting. It’s better for seniors to slowly ease into this exercise by lifting one arm and the opposite leg before they gradually lift both arms and legs.

1. Grab a yoga mat or a regular mat for cushion. Place it flat on the floor and lie face-down.
2. Place your outstretched arms in front of you and then lift the left arm together with your head and right leg. Around two inches from the floor would be good.
3. As you slowly raise your leg, make sure to squeeze your glute muscles, so you alleviate the pressure you feel on your lower back and tighten your core.
4. Return to starting position and repeat the process on the opposite side.
5. Repeat five times on every side.

If your elderly loved one still finds this difficult, start by only lifting both arms and then gradually incorporate the legs until they can build their strength.
A Paradise for Parents knows that it is very important to stay physically fit and healthy especially in our golden years. Our assisted living homes have a personal trainer who works closely with residents to ensure that their physical capabilities are accommodated. These core exercises for seniors are examples of exercise our trainer may do with your loved one.
If you want to know more about assisted living facilities, A Paradise for Parents staff and our resources can answer all your questions. Don’t hesitate to give us a call at (623) 295-9890 or email us at cam@aparadiseforparents.com to know more about the services we offer. You can also fill out an online form located on our homepage. We’d be happy to assist you in your search for an assisted living facility for your loved one.

5 Effective Stretching Exercises for Seniors

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Many people want to stay independent for as long as possible, which is why it’s very important to remain nimble and flexible even as we age. Being flexible increases our range of motion and in turn, helps us to easily perform every task, such as bending down to tie shoelaces or reaching up to grab snacks in the pantry. These stretching exercises for seniors should help that feeling of independence.
For this reason, regular stretching exercises really help. Doing simple stretches every day can definitely improve your elderly loved one’s flexibility, lets them do daily tasks easily by decreasing the amount of energy needed to complete a chore, and lowers the risk of injuries.

Incorporating Stretching Exercises for Seniors Into Any Workout

If you want your elderly loved one to have a better overall quality of life, encourage them to stay physically active. Regular exercise aids in keeping our bodies strong, corrects posture, and help combat certain diseases, such as diabetes. It also eases the pain seniors feel from arthritis, prevents falls, and positively influences your mood and mental health. If your elderly loved one hasn’t exercised in years, it’s never too late to be active.
If your loved one is already leading an active lifestyle, remind them to take the time to stretch their muscles before and after every routine. This helps in loosening the joints by stimulating the fluids within them, therefore preventing any injuries caused by friction. Additionally, stretching also lengthens the muscles making the body less prone to injury.
The following stretching exercises for seniors are not only for seniors but for people of all ages as well.
Disclaimer: Before starting any type of exercise, make sure to consult with your doctor or your healthcare provider, especially if your loved one has any particular conditions, such as muscle imbalance, spasticity, contractures, and the like. Consult with your personal trainer too so they can create a program that fits your needs.

Hamstring Stretch

The Hamstring Stretch is simplest course of action to take when exercising your hamstrings without causing damage to your back.
Get a sturdy stool and place your left foot up on the chair. Extend your left leg on the flat surface of the chair and gradually lean towards your foot. Make sure to keep your chest up and your back is straight. Hold it for 20 to 30 seconds. While doing this, you can also put pressure on your left knee to prevent it from bending. Be careful not to bounce as it can cause injury to the back muscles. Put your left foot down, switch legs, and repeat the same steps. Remember to release slowly when the stretching gets painful.

Doorway Stretch

This exercise is important in helping the muscles on your shoulders and chest stretch.
Place yourself in a doorway that’s easy enough for both of your arms to reach. Lift your arms and bend your elbow to form a 90-degree angle. Place your left foot in front and the right foot at the back so that both feet are in two different rooms. Hold this position for at least 20 to 30 seconds.

Hand Behind Back Towel Stretch

Grab a towel and throw it over your shoulder and position it vertically behind your back. Grab one end with your right hand at the small of your back and the other end with your left hand at the top of your back. Pull the towel with your left hand and hold that position for at least 10 to 30 seconds. Keep your right arm relaxed as you pull the other end with your left arm. Switch arms and repeat.

Ankle Circles

Strong ankles give our body balance as we walk. It allows us to propel our body forward. Ankle Circles help improve the flexibility in the ankles, therefore, maintaining our balance as we go about our everyday lives.
Get yourself comfortable in a sturdy chair and sit with your back straight. Stretch your left leg towards you while keeping the right foot in flat on the floor. Start to move your left foot in a circle. Do 10 to 20 circles in a clockwise direction and 10 to 20 in a counter-clockwise direction in each foot.

Neck Side Stretch

Sleeping without proper cushion can often cause tightness in the extensors of our short neck. It can also affect the disc spaces in our neck which will lead to arthritis and pinched nerves.
This stretch is one of the simplest stretch seniors can do every morning after they wake up. It reduces the tension that has developed on our neck from the long hours of sleep.
To begin, sit with your back straight and warm up your neck by leaning it gently to each of your shoulders. Next, put your left hand on your lap and lift your right hand over your head so that that palm rests on the left side of your head. Slowly pull your head to the right side and hold for 20 to 30 seconds before releasing and repeat the same steps on the other side.

Barriers to Stretching Exercises for Seniors

Though most seniors lack the motivation to exercise, some people below 65 are also often hesitant to do strenuous activities for various reasons such as:

1. Not having any idea where to start
2. Fear that they might get injured while exercising
3. Considering thoughts that it might be too late for them to start exercising.
4. Not having enough information about the advantages of exercising.



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5. Casting their belief in “no pain, no gain”

A Paradise for Parents knows that it is very important to stay physically fit and healthy especially in our golden years. Our assisted living homes have a personal trainer who works closely with residents to ensure that their physical capabilities are accommodated.
If you want to know more about assisted living facilities, A Paradise for Parents staff and our resources can answer all your questions. Don’t hesitate to give us a call at (623) 295-9890 or email us at cam@aparadiseforparents.com to know more about the services we offer. You can also fill out an online form located on our homepage. We’d be happy to assist you in your search for an assisted living facility for your loved one.

Researchers successfully reverse Alzheimer's disease in mouse model

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A team of researchers from the Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute have found that gradually depleting an enzyme called BACE1 completely reverses the formation of amyloid plaques in the brains of mice with Alzheimer's disease, thereby improving the animals' cognitive function. The study, which will be published February 14 in the Journal of Experimental Medicine, raises hopes that drugs targeting this enzyme will be able to successfully treat Alzheimer's disease in humans.

One of the earliest events in Alzheimer's disease is an abnormal buildup of beta-amyloid peptide, which can form large, amyloid plaques in the brain and disrupt the function of neuronal synapses. Also known as beta-secretase, BACE1 helps produce beta-amyloid peptide by cleaving amyloid precursor protein(APP). Drugs that inhibit BACE1 are therefore being developed as potential Alzheimer's disease treatments but, because BACE1 controls many important processes by cleaving proteins other than APP, these drugs could have serious side effects.

Mice completely lacking BACE1 suffer severe neurodevelopmental defects. To investigate whether inhibiting BACE1 in adults might be less harmful, Riqiang Yan and colleagues generated mice that gradually lose this enzyme as they grow older. These mice developed normally and appeared to remain perfectly healthy over time.

The researchers then bred these rodents with mice that start to develop amyloid plaques and Alzheimer's disease when they are 75 days old. The resulting offspring also formed plaques at this age, even though their BACE1 levels were approximately 50% lower than normal. Remarkably, however, the plaques began to disappear as the mice continued to age and lose BACE1 activity, until, at 10 months old, the mice had no plaques in their brains at all.

"To our knowledge, this is the first observation of such a dramatic reversal of amyloid deposition in any study of Alzheimer's disease mouse models," says Yan, who will be moving to become chair of the department of neuroscience at the University of Connecticut this spring.

Decreasing BACE1 activity also resulted in lower beta-amyloid peptide levels and reversed other hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease, such as the activation of microglial cells and the formation of abnormal neuronal processes.

Loss of BACE1 also improved the learning and memory of mice with Alzheimer's disease. However, when the researchers made electrophysiological recordings of neurons from these animals, they found that depletion of BACE1 only partially restored synaptic function, suggesting that BACE1 may be required for optimal synaptic activity and cognition.

"Our study provides genetic evidence that preformed amyloid deposition can be completely reversed after sequential and increased deletion of BACE1 in the adult," says Yan. "Our data show that BACE1 inhibitors have the potential to treat Alzheimer's disease patients without unwanted toxicity. Future studies should develop strategies to minimize the synaptic impairments arising from significant inhibition of BACE1 to achieve maximal and optimal benefits for Alzheimer's patients."

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A Groundbreaking Discovery for Alzheimer's Treatment [Infographic]

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most common form of dementia, is neurological disorder that causes memory loss and cognitive decline. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, AD is the 6^th leading cause of death in the United States. Every 66 seconds, someone in the US develops the disease. Current Alzheimer's treatment consists of treating the symptoms rather than reversing the disease.  Our assisted living home in Surprise that specializes in Alzheimer's treatment and care does what we can to help.

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Initial stages of AD usually includes mild confusion and difficulty remembering. And since the disease is neurodegenerative, it will progress to substantial memory loss. People may forget their loved ones – and change their personality.
Currently, there is no known cure for AD. The Alzheimer's treatments prescribed to patients are meant to lessen the severity of the symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Although there is no cure, most of the people with Alzheimers will require certain tests to determine the extent of the disease:

• Physical and neurological exam
• Lab tests
• Mental status and neuropsychological testing
• Brain imaging (MRI, CT Scan, PET Scan, and/or cerebrospinal fluid)
• Future diagnostic tests

Once diagnosed, the best Alzheimer's treatment is for people to live a healthy lifestyle to minimize the effects. A healthy lifestyle should include:

• Medication management
• Creating a safe and supportive environment
• Regular exercise
• Healthy diet

However, an article written in the Neuroscience Bulletin begs to disagree with the idea that there are no Alzheimer's Treatments. A team of scientists found certain vitamins not only reduce Alzheimer’s symptoms, but also can reverse the disease.

The Mental Decline

This year (2017), Alzheimer’s treatments will cost the nation around $259 billion dollars. That's money poured into drugs that are largely ineffective in curing the disease. And this number will drastically rise to $1.1 trillion by the year 2050. That's more than the present budget of Medicare. Alzheimer’s disease is not just a personal tragedy, but also a societal challenge.
There are more than five million Americans who are living with Alzheimer’s. It is projected that the number will grow to a whopping 16 million by the year 2050. Since there is no known cure, this kind of growth has a high likelihood of happening – especially as the Baby Boom generation reaches their senior years.
Pharmacologists are currently targeting a five-year delay of the disease’s onset in order to hamper 50% of the cases. In other words, nearly all prospective AD patients will be on these drugs..
There are 105 medicines under development for Alzheimer's treatment, but what if they’re all going in the wrong direction? Merely scratching the surface of a deeper issue? In fact, 74 drugs out of the 105 focus on beta-amyloid plaques in the brain. Yet recent studies are increasingly showing that, contrary to popular belief, these plaques not the cause of memory loss occurring in AD patients.
What if they’ve been ‘wrong’ the whole time? Scientists are addressing Alzheimer’s disease as if it’s a drug deficiency. But they should probably also look into the possibility that AD may be caused by a nutrient deficiency that is brought about by diets that are high in carbs and sugar – a diet that is rampant in the United States. 100 years ago – when diets were much healthier – there were very low instances of AD.

A New Hope for Alzheimer's Treatments

The conclusions of the Neuroscience Bulletin show that low levels of Vitamin B1 (also known as thiamine) play a significant role in the progress of Alzheimer’s memory loss. When your diet mostly consists of carbs and sugar, it increases your body’s need for B vitamins. And vitamin-B deficiency is linked to the abnormalities in the brain.
The researchers took matters into their own hands. They applied lessons from the animal lab to human therapy for Alzheimer's treatment.
They experimented on five early-stage Alzheimer’s victims. Each patient received 300 milligrams of B1 (Benfotiamine, a fat-soluble form of B1) – a daily vitamin – for a year and six months. After which, the participants underwent a PET scan and a series of mental function tests.
Even though the participants had a continuous build-up of beta-amyloid found in their brains during the course of the research, the scientists surprisingly discovered that the progression of the brain dysfunction slowed and eventually reversed and improved. They also uncovered that the common form of the vitamin B1 found in most multivitamins does not produce this groundbreaking effect.
The results of the mental function tests and brain scans showed that the patients with early to mid-stage Alzheimer’s disease had about 36.7% of their brain restored. The Neuroscience Bulletin published this fascinating yet mind-boggling research in December 2016. However, the news never hit the big news media.

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Judging from the image above, there is a striking improvement of the brain scans of Alzheimer’s disease patients taking vitamin B1 (Benfotiamine). The ‘After BT (BT = Benfotiamine vitamin B1)’ photos show an accumulation of red and yellow areas which means that these areas of the brain are active.

Improving the Initial Alzheimer's Treatment Results

A more effective form of B1 is allithiamine – known to cross the blood-brain barrier. Small amounts of allithiamine exist in garlic cloves or certain dietary supplements.
It makes sense to have your Doctor check for Vitamin B1 deficiency if you suspect Alzheimer’s for yourself or your loved ones.
You can disclose this valuable information to your loved one’s doctor regarding this matter. However, this research is not recognized by the FDA and it is possible that your loved one’s doctor may be skeptical. Feel free to discuss this with them to raise awareness and understanding. The good news is that adding Vitamin B1 to your diet will not have any deleterious effects.

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5 Tips for Cleaning Your Parent’s Home (After Moving Into An Assisted Living Facility)

Growing old means facing certain changes in life that aren’t so pleasurable. From physical decline due to chronic illnesses that come with age, cognitive decline because of Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia, a spouse’s passing, or even the need to move from your home into an assisted living home. It is never easy, but with proper preparation, your family and your elderly loved one can get through this smoothly. In addition to taking care of your loved one, there is also the daunting task of cleaning your parents home once they move out.
Preparation is the key to making these life events a little more bearable.  No matter the location – whether they’re on the next block or the next city – families all want the same thing: an easy transition from their home.
When moving into a new residence, people of retirement age are generally downsizing – sending clothes to charities, getting rid of unused appliances – basically donate, sell, or throw away the things that aren’t of use and no longer needed.
However, downsizing can take a toll on your elderly loved one. Moving overwhelms people when they think of all the memorabilia they accumulated over the years. If your elderly loved one moves into an assisted living facility with less storage space, all the possessions the senior owns may become a barrier to moving into the facility.

Is Cleaning Out and Downsizing Necessary?

It is not easy for anyone to just simply throw away the things they own, especially those that they have grown attached to or have sentimental value. It may honestly feel as if they are giving up on treasured memories.
Your loved one has many years and a wealth of memories that surround their family and their home. After many, many years of residing in their homes, downsizing can cause emotional discomfort. That's what makes cleaning your parents home even tougher.
If you feel like your elderly loved one refuses to give up their prized possessions, you are not alone. As a matter of fact, a study conducted by the Gerontology Center at the University of Kansas, Lawrence, found out that among the 22,000 participants of the survey, 30% of seniors over the age of 70 had nothing they could give away over the past year, despite the fact that over half of them thought they owned too many belongings. 56% of people ages 50 to 59, as well as 62% from the ages 70 to 79, claimed that they own more than what they actually need. it is usually the difficulty they feel with letting go of things that they view as a part of their identities – their past, memories, and possessions.

Is There Such Thing As An Elderly Hoarding Disorder?

There are some people who think that they do not have too much clutter to begin with – and it’s not an easy task to convince them otherwise. If your elderly loved one’s items are interfering with their everyday function and threatening their health, they are most likely suffering from elderly hoarding disorder. This can make cleaning your parents home a monumental task.
If the person’s clutter is extreme in the sense that the living space is unusable, unhygienic, or maybe even hazardous, along with the symptoms of self-neglect and withdrawal, your loved one may be experiencing Diogenes Syndrome or in other words, elderly hoarding disorder. This disorder is more common than you think. A study conducted by John Hopkins in 2008 found out that 6.2% of people over the age of 55 show symptoms of the hoarding disorder.
With regards to downsizing and cleaning out the house, it is best to talk to your elderly loved one about it. Surround your elderly loved one with family and friends. Or better yet, ask them to donate their excess belongings to the needy. This lets them know that they are a blessing to other people, rather than feeling shame and sadness.

Tips to Cleaning Out The Clutter

Moving your loved one into an assisted living facility is not an easy feat – emotionally and physically. Here are tips on how you can purge your elderly loved one’s home prior to moving into a home:

1. Divide the Physical Labor

Being the one responsible for everything has its own advantages. You don’t have to wait for other people and do everything your way. However, along with these advantages, doing everything on your own can be physically taxing. And if truth be told, this job is massive. You will most likely need help along the way. Do not hesitate to ask for a hand from family members and close friends.

2. Locate All Important Documents

Cleaning out a house means finding papers everywhere. Before you throw out any piece of paper, sift through the pile and find all the important documents:

• Life insurance policies and statements
• Titles, and real estate deeds
• Wills and trusts
• Stock certificates
• 401(k) records
• Recent bank statements (if you don’t have them, you can get older one electronically)
• Tax returns and receipts that are needed to fill out next year’s income tax return.

3. Keep sentimental photos and memorabilia.

Not every clutter is a waste. There are sentimental belongings and memorabilia that are irreplaceable and worth keeping. If your loved one is a war veteran, or just had a very interesting past, keep:

• Medals and awards
• Poems and journals
• Family photos through the years
• Newspaper clippings with important news (marriage, awards, and even obituaries), and more

Many of these ‘vintage’ memorabilia have a sentimental value. Cleaning your parent's home definitely doesn't mean throwing everything away.

4. Be Wise About Donating or Selling Your Loved One’s Belongings

If you are thinking of selling your loved one’s possessions, it is best to be wise about it. Most clothing has little resale value unless it is vintage (clothes from the ‘60s or earlier). Designer resale or consignment stores are most likely only taking clothes in perfect conditions or pieces that were bought in the last few years. There are other consignment stores will take the sellable items, price them fairly low, and take the 50% of what the customers pay. And the price goes lower if it the clothes are not sold after a month.
A better option may be to donate the clothes to a charitable organization like Goodwill or the Salvation Army and take the tax deduction. Trying to squeeze the maximum amount of value from each article of clothing may not be worth the effort.

5. Store It Away and ‘Forget’ About It

Your elderly loved one may have possessions that you are certain they would not use again but they disagree. In that case the best thing you can do it to box them away – elegantly. Use official, sturdy-moving and elegant-looking boxes. Label each box according to its content, and put them in the basement or storage unit. Most of the time, these boxes are paid no mind or even seen again. But your elderly loved one feels relieved that his/her prized possessions are safe.

Bonus Tip: Hire Someone to Do It for You

If most of the family members are out of town or are just too busy to attend to the house, consider hiring a senior move manager. These people help you plan and manage transition and relocation issues that affect older adults and make the transition go smoothly. We can recommend some fiduciary services that can help with everything from the important documents to providing more tips on setting up the home to sell.

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Atorvastatin (Lipitor): Do the Benefits Outweigh the risks?

Statins are drugs that reduce the level of bad cholesterol in the body by limiting the production of cholesterol in the liver. Atorvastatin belongs to a group of drugs called HMG-CoA reductase or commonly known as statins. It prevents and treats heart attacks, chest pain, stroke, and intermittent claudication.

Lipitor (Atorvastatin) belongs to a group of drugs called HMG-CoA reductase or commonly known as statins. In general, statins are drugs that reduce the level of bad cholesterol in the body through limiting the production of cholesterol in the liver.

There are different types of statin drugs approved for use in the United States. These include:

•   Atorvastatin (Lipitor)

•   Simvastatin (Zocor)

•   Lovastatin (Altoprev, Mevacor)

•   Fluvastatin (Lescol, Lescol XL)

•   Rosuvastatin (Crestor)

•   Pitavastatin (Livalo)

•   Pravastatin (Pravachol)

Ultimately, statins are touted as being able to prevent and treat atherosclerosis – a condition that causes heart attacks, chest pain, stroke, and intermittent claudication as a result of the accumulation of fats and cholesterol along the walls of the arteries. Among the statins listed above, Lipitor is the second most widely used statin drug all over the United States.

Atorvastatin is an oral prescription drug commonly sold under the brand name Lipitor. It is also sold in generic form, which will cost less on your part. In some cases, however, generic drugs may not have every strength or form available – compared to the branded version.

Why Is Lipitor Used?

The makers of Lipitor claim the drug reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, and lessens the possibility of having heart surgery that people with – or at risk of – heart disease. This is why Atorvastatin is usually taken with proper diet, weight loss, and an active lifestyle.

Other than that, the drug is used to lessen the accumulation of fatty substances – low-density lipoprotein (LDL or ‘bad’) cholesterol and the triglycerides found in the blood; and in turn, increase the amount of high-density lipoprotein (HDL or ‘good’) cholesterol.

There has been a great deal of research in recent years, however, that brings into question whether cholestoral is linked with Heart Disease. Doctors like Uffe Ravnskov who wrote “The Cholesterol Myths: Exposing the Fallacy that Saturated Fat and Cholesterol Cause Heart Disease”. In fact, he believes the studies put out in the scientific community do not accurately show a direct link between high cholesterol and heart disease. Several other studies have shown just the opposite – that cholesterol is beneficial for the body in many ways, especially in older adults.

What Are The Side Effects of Lipitor?

Atorvastatin, as with other drugs, can cause certain side effects. However, it is important to remember that the side effects of the drugs vary between each individual. The list below may or may not contain every possible side effect. It is best to discuss with side effects with your elderly loved one’s physician or healthcare team.

Common Side Effects

The following are the more common side effects your loved one may experience when taking atorvastatin oral tablets:

•   Diarrhea

•   Cold symptoms (sneezing, runny nose, and coughing)

•   Heartburn

•   Gas

•   Memory problems (being forgetful)

•   Joint pain

•   Confusion

These side effects are usually mild and may subside within a few days or weeks at most. However, when if the symptoms are severe and extend for a period of time, it is best to check in with a doctor or a pharmacist.

More Serious Side Effects

The following side effects are serious and may lead to health problems if not addressed right away. Do not hesitate to call 911 or go a hospital near you if the symptoms of the drug appear to be life-threatening. These symptoms may include:

•   Liver problems

•                     Loss of appetite

•                     Yellowing of the skin or in the white part of the eyes

•                     Dark-colored urine

•                     Upper stomach pain

•                     Exhaustion or weakness

•   Muscle problems

•                     Exhaustion

•                     Unexplained muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness

In addition, according to a study from Ireland, more serious side effects include:

•   3% of people will develop cataracts in their eyes

•   A small percentage may experience kidney problems

•   Higher risks of diabetes and cancer

•   Memory loss

•   Coronary artery calcification

•   A tenfold increase in erectile dysfunction, especially in younger men taking statins

How Can Lipitor Interact With Other Meds?

As expected, Lipitor oral tablets may interact with other medications, herbs, and multivitamins your loved one is taking. An interaction may cause the drug to alter the way it works; therefore it can be harmful to your loved one or it may prevent the drug from working properly.

Your loved one’s doctor will see to it that the risk of drug interactions is minimal. In order to prevent interactions, the doctor will usually manage all of your loved one’s medications. All they have to do is to tell them about the meds, vitamins, or herbs they are taking.

The following are the examples of the drugs that may interact with Atorvastatin. However, it is important to remember that – similar to the side effects – the type of interaction varies between each individual. It is best to speak with your loved one’s doctor about it to ease your mind.

Fungal Drugs

Some drugs used to cure fungal infections potentially cause Atorvastatin to accumulate in the body, increasing the risk of muscle breakdown. Your loved one’s doctor does not have to hinder you from taking Lipitor, he/she may alter the dosage of the drug instead:

•   Ketoconazole

•   Itraconazole

Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs

The drugs prescribed to lower cholesterol may increase the risk of developing muscle problems when taken together with Atorvastatin. Your loved one’s doctor will either alter the dosage of the medicines or prescribe you other meds instead.

•   Niacin

•   Gemfibrozil

•   Certain drugs that contain fibrate

Antibiotics

The following antibiotics are known to heighten the risk of developing muscle problems when a person takes it with Atorvastatin:

•   Erythromycin

•   Clarithromycin

HIV and Hepatitis C Drugs

Prescription drugs used to treat Hepatitis C or HIV may interact with Atorvastatin by letting the drug accumulate in the body. This increases the possibility of a muscle breakdown; therefore the doctor may alter the dosage of Atorvastatin.

•   Protease inhibitors

•                     Ritonavir

•                     Lopinavir

•                     Darunavir

•                     Fosamprenavir

•                     Boceprevir

•                     Telapravir

•                     Tipranavir

•                     Saquinavir

Colchicine

Colchicine increases the risk of muscle breakdown when taken with Atorvastatin.

Rifampin

When taken together, Rifampin and Atorvastatin can potentially lower the amount of Atorvastatin in the body. Which means, the drug won’t be able to work the way it is supposed to.

Digoxin

As opposed to Rifampin, Digoxin may dangerously increase the amount of Digoxin found in the blood. The doctor will monitor the level of the drug found in the blood, so he/she is able to modify the medication doses if necessary.

What Are the Warnings?

It is beneficial that your loved one will know the following warnings when it comes to taking Atorvastatin:

Food Interactions

The consumption of large amounts of grapefruit juice may increase the amount of Atorvastatin found in the blood – increasing the risk of a muscle breakdown. It is best to avoid drinking copious amounts of grapefruit juice while taking the drug.

Allergies

For some people, Atorvastatin may cause a severe allergic reaction. Some of the symptoms are:

•   Difficulty in breathing

•   Difficulty swallowing

•   Swelling of the face, tongue, lips, or throat

If you think your loved one is having an allergic reaction to the drug, call 911 immediately or go to an emergency room near you. If the senior has a history of an allergic reaction to Atorvastatin, they should not be taking the drug again. Doing so can cause serious problems – even death.

Muscle Problems

If your loved one is experiencing muscle breakdown, taking Atorvastatin worsens it or increases the possibility of developing one. Especially to seniors, people with thyroid problems, or kidney disease. Tell your loved one to inform their doctor if they experience unexplained muscle problems – soreness, weakness, or pain.

Kidney Problems

Kidney problems, along with taking Atorvastatin increases the possibility of developing muscle breakdown. Your loved one’s doctor will most likely monitor them closely for signs of muscle problems.

Diabetes

There are cases where Atorvastatin increased blood sugar levels. If your loved one is diabetic, their doctor may alter the dosage of the medication or change it entirely.

Liver Disease

If your loved one has liver disease, it might be better for them to avoid taking Atorvastatin since it can increase their liver test results – heightening the risk of liver damage. Certain lab tests for the liver showed that taking Atorvastatin made their results abnormally high.

Make sure to ask your loved one to take Atorvastatin as directed by their physician – the correct dose, time, and way of taking it. If your loved one has concerns regarding the drug – side effects felt or questions that needed to be answered – it is best to discuss it with their doctor or healthcare team.

We have quite a few mobile doctors who come to our assisted living homes to personally see our residents and care for their needs. If you would like more advice about Lipitor and statins in general, please do not hesitate to contact us.

@aparadiseforparents  https://aparadiseforparents.com  623-295-9890  info@aparadiseforparents.com