UAMS RIOA - Opioid Prevention for Aging & Longevity

Home
United States
Little Rock, AR
UAMS RIOA - Opioid Prevention for Aging & Longevity

In response to the national opioid epidemic, under the direction of Dr. Jeanne Wei and Dr. Gohar Azhar, the O.P.A.L. Please browse by topic at your convenience.

Program is providing adults aged 65 and older and their caregiver(s) an opportunity to learn more about opioid pain medications, non-opioid pain medications and integrative medicine therapies like Tai Chi, Yoga, mindfulness meditation and other therapies for the management of chronic pain. In addition, we are educating older adults about the dangers of over-the-counter medications that are not app

roved by the primary physician. Resources such as information on over-the counter medications, how to prevent falls and how to protect yourself and others from the Covid-19 infection may also be found on this website and are free.

01/13/2025

PREVENTABLE - A Dementia Prevention Study for Older Adults

Dr. Jeanne Wei, Executive Director of the Reynolds Institute on Aging (RIOA) at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), is the Principle Investigator at UAMS for a national dementia prevention study called PREVENTABLE. The full name of the study is Pragmatic Evaluation of Events and Benefits of Lipid-Lowering in Older Adults.

The RIOA UAMS is one of two sites in Arkansas conducting the study. The other site is the Central Arkansas Veteran's Healthcare System (CAVHS). This prevention study is for healthy adults aged 75 years or older. It is one of the largest clinical research studies for older adults with 100 sites across the United States (US). PREVENTABLE is sponsored by The National Institute on Aging (NIA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The NIA is a US federal agency that provides accurate, current information on aging research, information about clinical trials, educational materials and resources about aging for the public, and information for researchers and health care professionals.

The goal of the study is to learn if a STATIN could help older adults live well for longer by preventing dementia, disability, or heart disease. By joining, you could help researchers understand the benefits of statins on outcomes that matter most for people aged 75 or older.

Participation in PREVENTABLE is easy, and it should not interfere with your day-to-day activities. If you are eligible and decide to join PREVENTABLE, you will receive $75 after you enroll and $50 every year following the annual follow-up call for up to five years. Joining the study is an opportunity for you to be a part of something bigger.

What is a statin? A statin is a medication commonly used to lower cholesterol. Statins are also frequently prescribed to patients with a history of a heart attack and stroke. ATORVASTATIN, or LIPITOR, is the medication used in this study. It is a type of statin that is well known, proven to be safe, and has been prescribed to older adults since approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in1987. If you would like to know more about PREVENTABLE, there is a document on the study website called PREVENTABLE Participant Frequently Asked Questions. Go to preventabletrial.org/home.cfm. Scroll down to the FAQ in the blue box and click on it.

If you are considering participation in this study and want to learn if you are eligible, please contact one of the following staff:

Naomi Armstrong, RN at 501.526.5937, email: NArmstrong3@uams.edu
Patricia Savary, BS at 501.526.5701, email: PESavary@uams.edu

Remember, atorvastatin, and all statin medications, do more than just lower cholesterol. These medications also reduce inflammation, which may prevent memory loss, improve physical function, and may even prevent cancer by blocking an enzyme that produces cholesterol, which is linked to cancer.

Interested? Call us today to see if you are eligible. Thank you!

12/03/2024

RESEARCH ADVANCES IN ALZHEIMER'S & RELATED DEMENTIAS
These are exciting times for us in that there have been major breakthroughs in the diagnosis and treatment of cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s dementia. We are excited about the positive future for those with memory loss.

A recent study by the nonprofit Alzheimer’s Association found that one of nine Arkansans aged 65 or older has Alzheimer’s or some other form of dementia.

Much research and many clinical trials are ongoing to develop more treatments for Alzheimer’s and/or related dementias. Dementia is an umbrella term. Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia. Note there are more than 100 types of dementia, and each affect the brain in a different way.

People with a family history of dementia and those who desire lifelong cognitive health ought to work together to reduce modifiable risk factors of dementia such as high blood pressure, obesity, alcohol, pollution, nutrition, diabetes, social isolation, hearing loss, and traumatic brain injury.

Our affiliated University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Centers on Aging around the state offer a variety of resources for patients living with Alzheimer’s and related dementias.

Advances in the care of those with dementia are important for UAMS, because presently, we provide care for nearly 2,600 patients with a documented dementia diagnosis at UAMS.

New monoclonal antibody medications are currently meant for symptomatic mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or Early-Stage Alzheimer’s disease. They include:

1. ADUCANUMAB (ADUHELM)– Aducanumab binds to amyloid plaques; it received accelerated FDA approval in 2021 but was discontinued recently, so the manufacturer could focus on a sister drug, Lecanemab.

2. LECANEMAB (LEQEMBI) – Lecanemab mainly targets AꞴ protofibrils and was approved in July 2023. Twenty-seven percent of patients treated with Lecanemab were found to have approximately a five-month delay in their cognitive deterioration. UAMS began treating patients with mild cognitive impairment with Lecanemab in August 2024. Lecanemab is given by IV infusion over one hour every two weeks. Medicare covers 80% of the cost with a 20% co-pay for the patient.

3. DONANEMAB (KISUNLA) - Donanemab binds to clumped amyloid fibers and seems to slow clinical deterioration in 35% of patients treated vs. placebo and has approximately 40% less decline in activities of daily living (ADLs) over 18 months. It recently received FDA approval.

Accurate diagnosis of early-stage Alzheimer's dementia requires a PET scan or cerebrospinal fluid analysis for AꞴ42 and tau ratio. In the near future, plasma biomarkers such as phosphorylated Tau 217 will also be available.

Although these new drugs offer hope for many patients with Early-Stage Alzheimer’s disease, they are not for every patient. For example, patients may not qualify to receive the new drugs if they are receiving anti-coagulants, have had previous intra-cranial bleeds, seizure disorder, or has cerebral amyloid angiopathy. These conditions are major risk factors concerning the new drugs for Alzheimer’s and related dementias.

Potential side-effects from Lecanemab (Leqembi) include:
• ARIA (Amyloid-related imaging abnormalities) on MRI
• ARIAE (Amyloid-related imaging abnormalities with edema or swelling) on MRI
• ARIAH (Amyloid-related imaging abnormalities with hemorrhage) on MRI
• Infusion reactions (flu-like symptom and possibly serious complications such as seizures, and rarely, even
death).
Under the auspices of Dr. Jeanne Wei and Dr. Gohar Azhar, geriatricians at the Lyons Longevity clinic are now treating patients with mild cognitive impairment with Lecanemab (Leqembi). If you have a loved one with mild cognitive impairment who may be eligible for this treatment, please contact Randy Henderson, PA, at 501.603.1514 at the Institute on Aging. An appointment will be made with participating geriatricians to confirm eligibility.

Jeanne Wei, MD, PhD, is Executive Director at the UAMS Reynolds Institute on Aging in Little Rock, AR at 625 Jack Stephens Drive

07/30/2024

Prescription Opioids May Affect Your Heart!

With each passing year, pain becomes more of a reality for conditions such as arthritis, low back pain, and worsening neuropathy (injury to nerve fibers in the hands and feet that may cause pain, burning, numbness and tingling, or loss of sensation). Taking prescription opioids, even for a short time, often have unintended consequences for older adults (55 and older), including problems with the heart. Opioid medicines may:
1) Increase the risk of having a dangerous, rapid, irregular heart
rate called atrial fibrillation that is known to cause strokes
2) Slow heart rate, breathing and blood pressure which can keep
the heart and brain from getting enough oxygen
3) Slow the heart pump that may result in heart failure
4) Increase the risk of heart disease by raising cholesterol and
other fats in the blood that over time may lead to stroke and
heart attack

Non-opioid pain medicines such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil), and topical pain medicines are recommended
whenever possible, and may be as effective as opioids in managing chronic pain. Other therapies such as physical therapy, ultrasound, and relaxation techniques may also help manage chronic pain. Please talk to your healthcare provider about alternatives to prescription opioids.

Anyone taking prescription opioids should have a Narcan (naloxone) kit at home. It is an antidote for opioid toxicity that comes in a nasal spray that is easy to use. A prescription is not needed and may be obtained at local pharmacies. If you would like more information about prescription opioids, Narcan, and related health topics of concern to older adults, please visit our website at aging.uams.edu/outreach/o-p-a-l/. For educational literature, call us at 501.603.1514 or 501.686.7316.

06/18/2024

Opioid pain medicines such as Oxycontin, Hydrocodone, Tramadol, and Oxycodone are used to treat moderate to severe pain. Older adults are more likely to live with pain and/or chronic illnesses. Those seeking treatment for pain or coming out of surgery are often given opioid medicines. Prescription opioids are only intended to be given for a short time and are usually not indicated for chronic pain. It only takes a week or two for a person to become physically dependent on opioids and develop a tolerance. Tolerance means a person needs more of the opioid than what was needed at the outset to help the pain. An older adult taking prescription opioids ordered by their doctor may begin overusing them without realizing the serious consequences that can happen. Changes in the brain can happen when taking opioids longer than intended. This result is opioid use disorder, a medical condition of not being able to stop taking opioids and behaviors focused on the use of opioids that interfere with a person's daily life. OUD is a chronic disease and is treatable. If you believe you are dependent on prescrioption pain pills for your chronic pain, talk to your healthcare provider. Help is available!

Some alternatives to opioids are non-opioid medicines such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, and creams and gels such as Bio Freeze and diclofenac. Ask your doctor if these over-the counter medicines are okay for you to use. Integrative therapies such as chair yoga, mindfulness meditation, acupuncture, and physical therapy may also help your chronic pain. Ask your healthcare provider about these therapies.

Please visit our website at https://aging.uams.edu/outreach/o-p-a-l/ for more information about the Opioid Prevention for Aging and Longevity Program (O.P.A.L.). Free literature is available (call at 501.603.1514 or 501.686.7316).

O.P.A.L. Program Director

06/04/2024

Every second in the U.S., an older adult suffers a fall making it the main cause of injuries and deaths among older Americans. Falls can result in broken bones, other injuries, and loss of independence that may lead to nursing home admissions and/or rehab stays. If you are 60 or older and take a prescription opioid, you are more likely to fall than if you were taking a non-opioid pain medication such as Tylenol or ibuprofen for your chronic pain. Prescription opioids can be beneficial for acute injuries or for acute pain after surgery, but they are only intended to be taken for a short time - three to five days. Taking them longer than this may result in tolerance (needing more and more for the same pain relief), or becoming dependent on them even after your pain has gone, That's because opioids affect how your brain works causing drowsiness, dizziness, and slowed breathing. This increases your risk of falling. Keep in mind that any drug that affects the brain can also affect the heart rate causing slow heart rate, low blood pressure, and may even cause you to faint and seriously harm yourself. Ask your doctor about other non-opioid options for managing your pain.

For a copy of our fall prevention booklet or additional information on prescription opioids and other topics, contact us at the UAMS Reynolds Institute on Aging at 501.603.1514 or 501.686.7316. There is no cost for this information. Visit our website at https://aging.uams.edu/outreach/o-p-a-l/.

Thank you for reading this article! Stay tuned for more articles about other topics.

Regina V. Gibson, PhD, RN
Opioid Prevention for Aging and Longevity (O.P.A.L.)
O.P.A.L. Program DIrector

01/25/2024

In response to the national opioid epidemic, under the direction of Dr. Jeanne Wei and Dr. Gohar Azhar, the O.P.A.L. Program is providing adults aged 55 and older and their caregiver(s) an opportunity to learn more about opioid pain medications, non-opioid pain medications and integrative medicine therapies such as Tai Chi, Yoga, mindfulness meditation and other therapies for the management of chronic pain.

In addition, we are educating older adults about the dangers of over-the-counter medications that are not approved by the primary physician. Resources such as information on over-the-counter medications, how to prevent falls, and how to protect yourself and others from the COVID-19 infection may soon be found on this page and are free.

O.P.A.L. is funded by the Substance Abuse, Mental Health Services Administration through the Division of Aging, Adult and Behavioral Health Services. We are reaching out to all older adults across Arkansas with our messages. Please stay tuned to the information we will be providing on this page. We want to ensure that healthcare providers, older adults, and caregivers, make the best choices when it comes to pain management. Thank you for visiting this page - there is much more to come!

Address

629 Jack Stephens Drive
Little Rock, AR
72205

Telephone

+15012961000

Website

https://aging.uams.edu/outreach/o-p-a-l/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when UAMS RIOA - Opioid Prevention for Aging & Longevity posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.