IS NORMAL AGING A SIGN OF DRUG TOXICITY?
Click here to print article According to the article in the Roanoke Times February 1,2005, many symptoms such as changes in mental status, falls, dizziness, a decrease in appetite, delirium, incontinence and loss of functional ability are often attributed to “normal aging” but may be the result of drug toxicity. Infection is often an overlooked cause of these symptoms as well. 1. Changes in mental status often occur very soon after starting a new medication or after anesthesia. 2. Falls: Multiple factors can lead to falls including heart problems, osteoporosis, vertigo, strike, hearing or vision loss but recent changes in medication or synergistic effects of meds should be considered as a culprit. 3. Decreased appetite can be related to illness, depression or loneliness. 4. Delirium in addition to drug toxicity can result from dehydration, anemia, or nutritional deficits of thyroid disease. 5. Loss of functional ability such as getting dressed can indicate overall weakness from inactiv
