Medical Updates: FDA Approvals, New Treatments, and Recent Studies
By Paula Span for KFF Health News
Grab your attention, folks! I've got a real doozy of a tale for you, straight from the lectures of Dr. Benjamin Han, a whiz kid in geriatrics and addiction medicine at the University of California, San Diego.
This yarn centers around an old-timer, 76 years young, who, like many seniors, battled with sleepless nights - a common compliant in the golden years.
Now, before you drift off into dreamland, let's talk about this wisdom-filled doc and his warnings to future med students.
You know, the one about the dude who, in his quest for a peaceful slumber, fell down the rabbit hole of cannabis usage - you guessed it, the "natural" remedy for some aging health woes.
Han tells 'em straight, folks. This stuff, while grabbing headlines for its potential benefits, still leaves many questions hanging in the air. Specifically, its effects on the elderly and their susceptibility to psychoactive substances' bonkers side effects.
Older folk, if you didn't know, tend to be more sensitive to these substances, which can compound chronic disease management and amplify risks such as trips, mental haze, and other negative impacts.
So, there's that, but what about the scientific evidence? Well, it's thin on the ground for cannabis' effectiveness and safety in seniors, especially as it pertains to insomnia. More research is needed to clear the smokescreen.
However, it's crucial to remember that as the grass gets greener, the number of seniors lighting up keeps rising. This demands evidence-based instruction to avert any whoopsie daisies.
In summary, Dr. Han advocates a measured take on cannabis; saying tally up the pros against the cons, and do your homework to safeguard the vulnerable older adults dealing with polypharmacy.
Remember folks, it's not just about kicking back and lighting up; it's about prevention, education, and maintaining a top-tier quality of life.
And, hey, be sure to sign up for our Breaking Health News email alerts! Keeping up with the latest in health care is crucial to stay informed and make the best decisions for yourself!
[1] "The Use of Cannabis in Older Adults," American Psychological Association, www.apa.org/monitor/2019/03/cannabis
[2] "Cannabis and the Older Adult," American Society on Aging, www.asaging.org/resources/cannabis-and-older-adults
- Medical students should be warned about the potential risks of cannabis use in the elderly, as older adults are more sensitive to psychoactive substances and may experience worsened symptoms of chronic diseases, increased risk of falls, and mental confusion.
- The scientific evidence regarding the effectiveness and safety of cannabis in seniors, particularly for insomnia, is still limited and more research is needed to better understand its potential benefits.
- As the use of cannabis among older adults continues to rise, it is important to provide evidence-based instruction to prevent any negative consequences and ensure the well-being of seniors.
- In considering the use of cannabis, it is essential to weigh the potential pros and cons and to prioritize the health and wellness of older adults, including mental health, as they often manage multiple medications (polypharmacy).
