Painkillers Cause More Harm To Dementia Patients – Study

A new study has revealed that opioid-based painkiller triggers so many effects on patients diagnosed with dementia.

Opioid-based painkillers like codeine, morphine, dihydrocodeine, and methadone are drugs that act by stimulating opioid receptors in the brain and nervous system.

Researchers from the University of Exeter and the University of Berge disclosed this as they studied 162 Norwegian care home residents who had advanced dementia and significant depression.

The result showed side effects, such as personality changes, and confusion more than tripled in those who were prescribed buprenorphine, compared to those on a placebo.

The researchers also found that Opioid-based painkillers, such as buprenorphine are prescribed to up to 40% of people with dementia living in care homes.

“Pain is a symptom that can cause huge distress and it’s important that we can provide relief to people with dementia,” said Clive Ballard, professor of age-related diseases at the University of Exeter Medical School.

“Sadly at the moment, we’re harming people when we’re trying to ease their pain.”

However, Ballard suggests that the reason people with dementia are more vulnerable to opioid-based painkillers is that they over-produce the body’s natural opioids.

“We urgently need more research in this area, and we must get this dosing right. We need to establish the best treatment pathway and examine appropriate dosing for people with dementia.”