November 2022 - Page 2 of 2

What is Sundowning?

Posted on November 7, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

If a friend or loved one is displaying symptoms of confusion that occur or worsen in the late afternoon and evening, they may be experiencing sundowning, also known as sundown syndrome.

Sundowning is typically characterized by problems with memory, thinking, reasoning, and mood regulation which present themselves through behaviors such as pacing, wandering, or closely following someone, in addition to more dramatic outbursts of yelling, crying, or violence. A person experiencing sundowning may suffer from paranoia, delusions, or insomnia, as well. Although these symptoms usually occur in the latter half of the day, they can also appear during the morning.

Over 20% of people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia suffer from sundown syndrome. The exact causes of sundowning are unknown, but physical discomfort, infections, sleep cycle disruptions, overstimulation, and low lighting can all worsen its symptoms.

Managing triggers is the best way to prevent or decrease the severity of sundowning episodes. Light therapy, music therapy, and familiar environments can also help. Additionally, antidepressant, anti-anxiety, or antipsychotic medications may provide relief in some cases. For people whose sundowning symptoms are linked to sleep-related triggers, melatonin can be used to help restore a normal sleep cycle.

It’s important to get a loved one suffering from sundown syndrome to a doctor as soon as possible and to advocate for them throughout the treatment process to ensure that any issues they can’t communicate on their own are identified promptly. Schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center now by calling (718) 670-5486.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

What is RSV?

Posted on November 4, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is a respiratory illness that is typically most prevalent during the fall, winter, and early spring seasons. Most children born in the United States will have experienced it at some point before their second birthday.

The virus often presents symptoms similar to those of a cold, including a runny nose, coughing or wheezing, fever, and decreased appetite. These symptoms usually appear approximately four to six days after infection, but may not appear all at once.

While it usually does not lead to hospitalization, RSV can be particularly dangerous to children if it causes bronchiolitis or pneumonia to develop; it’s the most common cause of both of these illnesses in children under the age of one. If an infant develops either of these conditions, becomes dehydrated, or experiences significant difficulty breathing, the situation could become more serious and require hospital care.

RSV can also be especially dangerous for older adults, accounting for approximately 177,000 hospitalizations in adults over the age of 65.

The virus is usually spread through:

Bodily fluids such as mucus, saliva, or droplets
Surfaces that have the virus on them
Direct contact such as kissing an infected person

The best way to decrease the risk of an older adult or infant developing RSV is to prevent as many means of transmission as possible and promptly get them medical care if their symptoms seem to be worsening.

People and children who are at risk of developing severe cases of RSV should:

Avoid close contact with infected people and, if possible, close-contact settings such as daycare centers where RSV can more easily spread
Frequently wash their hands with soap and water for 20 seconds and refrain from touching their face until after they’ve done so

If you are sick with RSV, you should:

Avoid close contact with non-infected people
Frequently clean surfaces you’ve touched with disinfectant
Wear a mask and/or cover coughs and sneezes with a sleeve or tissue
Frequently wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds

If you or someone you know has developed RSV symptoms that require medical attention, you can schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 670-5486 now.

November is National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month

Posted on November 2, 2022 by Andrew Rubin

In 1983, President Ronald Reagan designated the month of November as National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. This designation serves to bring awareness of the disease to the general public.

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that is not a normal part of aging. At the current time, more than six million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s and it is estimated that by the year 2060 this number is estimated to exceed 14 million people. There is no cure for the disease but there are treatments being studied.

If you think that you or a person you know may be experiencing memory loss that could be an early sign of Alzheimer’s disease, speak to your physician about a screening exam. To schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5486.

Everything You Need to Know About CBD Oil

Posted on November 2, 2022 by Jacob Lobosco

Cannabidiol (also known as CBD) oil, one of over a hundred chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant, is often touted for its various potential health benefits. While current research suggests that this may be the case with regard to certain conditions, there are several factors you should consider before using it.

Although CBD can be found in marijuana, it does not get you high on its own. The compound responsible for this sensation is THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. THC is similarly extracted from cannabis and sold in a variety of products.

The only CBD product currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration, Epidiolex, is primarily used as an anti-seizure medication for people that are one year of age or older who have Lennox Gastaut syndrome, Dravet syndrome, or tuberous sclerosis complex.

CBD may also help relieve symptoms of anxiety disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder and social anxiety. Although evidence of its benefits when it comes to depression is limited, current research suggests that it can reduce symptoms in people suffering from cannabis use disorders. In addition to these effects, CBD oil has been linked to benefits for alleviating certain cancer-related symptoms, neurological disorders, high blood pressure, and sleep disorders.

Some studies suggest that CBD could also help reduce pain and inflammation related to arthritis and rheumatic diseases such as fibromyalgia, although research into these benefits is ongoing.

CBD oil can cause certain harmful side effects. According to the Food and Drug Administration, research has linked CBD oil with liver damage, drowsiness, gastrointestinal problems, and negative shifts in mood.

Additionally, there is a long list of unanswered questions about other ways in which CBD oil may affect your health, such as the effects of continuous daily use and different methods of consumption, as well as how a young person’s developing brain may be affected by it.

It’s best to discuss how CBD oil may affect your health with your doctor to weigh the benefits and risks with your medical history in mind, particularly if you’re investigating it as a way of managing symptoms you’re suffering from. You can schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 670-5486 now.