A new study warns consumers to beware: a number of common medications, such as Tylenol, Benadryl and Dramamine, may cause cognitive impairment and even increase the risk of death.

Medications with anticholinergic activity are frequently taken among the elderly adult population and include both over-the-counter drugs as well as prescription medicine.  Anticholinergics affect the brain by blocking acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter.

Most anticholinergic drugs contain diphenhydramine, which is sold over-the-counter under popular brand names, including Benadryl, Dramamine, Excedrin PM, Nytol, Sominex, Tylenol PM and Unisom. Prescription anticholinergic drugs include Paxil, Detrol, Demerol and Elavil.

Researchers studied the impact of these drugs on 13,000 men and women aged 65 or older over a period of two years.  They found that, even controlling for a variety of other factors, taking anticholinergic medications was linked to cognitive impairment and death in this population.

Generally, elderly people take the anticholinergics for various ailments and diseases, such as sleep disorders, incontinence, hypertension and congestive heart failure, according to researchers.

“Physicians should review with older patients all the over-the-counter and prescription drugs they are taking to determine exposure,” said study co-author Malaz Boustani, M.D., Regenstrief Institute investigator, Indiana University School of Medicine associate professor of medicine, and research scientist with the IU Center for Aging Research

The study was published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

People may be learning while they’re sleeping, according to a new study – but that doesn’t mean students should run out and get all their textbooks on tape.

Researchers say learning during sleep may be part of an unconscious form of memory that is still not well understood.

“We may be investigating a separate form of memory, distinct from traditional memory systems,” said study researcher Kimberly Fenn, a professor at Michigan State University.

According to Fenn, there is substantial evidence that the brain processes information during sleep, outside of a person’s awareness. She speculated that this ability may contribute to memory in a waking state.

The results of the study, which involved more than 250 people, suggested that people derived vastly different effects from this “sleep memory” ability. The researchers found that some memories improved dramatically while others not at all.

“You and I could go to bed at the same time and get the same amount of sleep,” Fenn said, “but while your memory may increase substantially, there may be no change in mine.” She added that most people showed improvement.

The researchers say the potential separate memory ability would likely not be captured by traditional intelligence and aptitude tests such as the SAT and ACT. However, there may be a chance that it could improve classroom learning – a possibility that remains to be explored, Fenn said.

If anything, the study does reinforce the need for a good night’s sleep. Statistics from the National Sleep Foundation indicate that 63 percent of Americans are not getting enough sleep during the week.

“Simply improving your sleep could potentially improve your performance in the classroom,” Fenn said.

The study was published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General.

If you want your child to do well in school, does sleeping top staying up late and studying as a learning strategy?

Sleeping is certainly an important factor in academic performance, according to a new study, which finds that nine hours should be the absolute minimum for elementary school-age children.

The study, conducted by Spanish researchers found that sleeping less than nine hours, going to bed late and not having a steady bedtime routine negatively impacts children’s school skills.

“Most children sleep less than is recommended for their intellectual development, which is hindered because the lack of sleep cannot be recovered,” Ramón Cladellas, study researcher. “This study proves that losing out on hours of sleep and bad habits affect schoolchildren’s academic performance.”

The researchers assessed 142 elementary school children who did not have an sleep-related illnesses or conditions. The children’s parents were asked to fill out a questionnaire about the children’s habits and number of hours of sleep per night. Then, the children were tested on various academic skills.

Though most of the children slept for almost eight hours per night, 69 percent of those surveyed returned home after 9 pm three nights a week or went to bed after 11 pm at least four nights a week.

“As such, pupils that sleep eight or nine hours have a worse performance than those that sleep nine or 11 hours,” the researchers said.

Lack of sleep or bad bedtime habits can affect everything from memory to motivation, as well as harm comprehension, which are all essential for learning.

The researchers heavily favored nine hours of sleep or more as the minimum for children in order to maximize academic performance.

The study was published in a Spanish journal, Cultura y Educacion.

Labor Day weekend heralds the start of September and, in turn, a new school year.

Are your kids ready to go back to school? Sure, they probably have their school supplies by now, but what about their vaccinations?

Here some of the back-to-school guidelines I think are the most important to address to ensure your children have a happy, healthy year:

Vaccinations

In order to enter kindergarten, there are a number of required vaccinations children must receive, though they vary from state to state. Check with your school system for specific requirements. Additionally, in New York, children must receive the booster for TDAP in order to enter middle school.

Other vaccines, such as Hepatitis A or chicken pox boosters, are recommended, but not required. Also, don’t forget to get an influenza shot ahead of the upcoming flu season this year. Kids are busy enough without having to worry about getting sick!

Nutrition

Three meals a day is still the rule of thumb for children, according to nutritionists. Kids shouldn’t skip breakfast because this can lead to weight gain. They should also avoid fried or sugary foods in the school cafeteria at lunch.

Make sure kids are drinking enough water to avoid dehydration during warmer months. This holds especially true for athletes, who have to exert extra energy and sometimes wear heavy gear during practice.

Exercise

Kids need daily exercise. I know we’re all tied to our laptops and iPods or what have you (and I think my kid’s cell phones might actually need to be surgically removed from their hands) but it’s important to set technology aside for an hour or so to run around outside.

Studies have shown that sedentary lifestyles lead to a number of health problems, and I’m not just talking about weight gain. In recent years, more and more kids have been diagnosed with typically “adult” diseases, such as type II diabetes, heart disease and high cholesterol.

Sleep

Sleep is one of the most important factors that influence health. Students have a lot going on during the school year, from clubs to sports to music lessons or other extracurricular activities – and that’s not even factoring in nightly homework assignments.

Don’t let your child get too overbooked this year. Inadequate rest can increase susceptibility to illness, as well as cause weight gain and lower concentration in class, among other health problems. Eight hours of sleep a night should be the absolute minimum, especially for younger children.

Finally, try not to stress too much. I know school comes with certain pressures and expectations, but one of the most important things kids can do to keep themselves healthy both physically and mentally is to cut out the anxiety and take the time to have fun. Have a good school year, everyone!

Is it okay to take a tablespoon of protein at bedtime to lose weight? – Carol

No.  How about just sticking to a balanced diet and exercise?

As a doctor, I get a lot of health questions both in my practice and in my email inbox. Today, I found one that I felt was particularly compelling that I’d like to share with you all:

Hi, Dr. Manny, can you please tell me some natural remedies for stress? – Shideh

The thing is, in today’s day and age, with America undergoing so many difficult times due to high unemployment rates, terroristic threats and a shifting moral compass, more and more people are suffering from negative stress. Negative stress takes a toll on our daily lives and our health and can lead to high blood pressure, obesity, heart disease, anxiety and depression, among other problems, so I feel this question is very appropriate.

Rest assured, there are many things you can do before you run out to get a pill. Here’s a list of some of the most effective natural stress reducers.

Passionflower

While passionflower has long been considered a “folk remedy” for anxiety and insomnia, a few studies have shown that the herb may actually be comparable in effectiveness to benzodiazepine drugs, which are used to treat stress. Though not proven, it is believed that passionflower works by increasing levels of a chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. This lowers the activity of some brain cells, making you feel more relaxed.

Passionflower is available in a variety of forms, including infusions, teas, liquid extracts and tinctures. It is not recommended for children or for women who are pregnant or nursing. Consult your doctor before adding it to your diet, especially if you are taking other medications.

Massage

This is kind of a no-brainer, right? Everybody loves a massage. But did you know that it’s been used as a stress reliever for thousands of years? Historically, the Chinese used massage to open blocked energy channels in order to improve health and Hippocrates, the “father of western medicine,” used friction for physical healing treatments. Today, we use massage to relax tense muscles, reduce pain and improve circulation, which can all do wonders for the mind.

Meditation

Meditation, or mindfulness, only takes 15-30 minutes a day, which is doable even in a packed schedule. It’s also incredibly affordable, considering the only tool you need is your own mind. Just give yourself some silent time to let your thoughts run free or just focus on your breathing. That small amount of peace in your day can help you deal with or even release stress.

Exercise

Whether it’s yoga, tai chi or running, exercise works much in the same way as meditation because it gives you time to be alone with your thoughts (or an opportunity to let them go). However, exercise also has the added benefit of releasing endorphins into the brain, which improves your mood. It also prevents obesity and other health problems, giving you less to be stressed about.

Organize your life

Organization offers a sense of control and peace of mind, and there’s a number of ways you can improve in this regard. If you’re the kind of person who’s always running around, it can help to make lists to help yourself remember everything. If you’re the kind of person who feels edgy in their own house, tidy up. Studies have shown the mere sight of clutter can put us on edge.

Eat Healthy

It’s actually been proven that junk food can make us depressed (not to mention fat) so clean up your diet. Healthy foods like whole grains and protein can improve your mood and give you long-lasting energy to tackle everything that comes your way during the day. Foods that are especially effective for stress-busting include blueberries, salmon and almonds, according to scientists.

Also, put down that extra cup of coffee. While studies have shown that some coffee during the day can offer health benefits, too much caffeine will make you jittery and anxious, and eventually lead to a crash.

Limit internet and cell phone use

Disconnect, disconnect, disconnect. Part of the problem with reducing stress in today’s world is that we are never truly able to shield ourselves from it. By turning away from the internet and shutting off our cell phones, we can at least block some of the channels from which stress can reach us. Doing this also allows us to live in the moment and appreciate it.

It is particularly important to cut off electronic use before sleep, which can cut down on insomnia-related problems.

B Vitamins

B vitamins are known to promote proper functioning of the brain and nervous system, as well as help induce relaxation and fight fatigue. In fact, indicators of B deficiency include irritability, depression and apathy, so to stave off those symptoms, increase your intake of foods rich in B vitamins. B vitamins are typically found in the germ and bran of cereal grains, as well as beans, peas, nuts, liver, eggs and dairy products.

Aromatherapy

In some cases, inhaling certain scents has been shown to have immediate stress relief effects by raising mood, reducing anxiety and aiding focus and concentration. Experts say it’s because the smells can stimulate the limbic system, which in turn releases chemicals that affect the brain, promoting feelings of relaxation, calmness, love and excitement. Popular oils for stress relief and mental fatigue include lavender, cypress and rosemary.

Sleep

Sleep is the most important natural stress reducer of them all. Too little sleep leaves us cranky, irritable and on edge. Too much sleep can leave us sluggish and depressed. Try to find the right balance that allows you to feel well-rested and ready for the day. Promote better sleep by establishing bedtime rituals that signal to your brain that it’s time to fall asleep, avoid exercise in the three hours before sleep or take a warm bath. Certain foods can also promote sleep, such as carbohydrates, bananas, peanuts, figs and dairy. These contain tryptophans, a precursor for creating melatonin. However, avoid having a large meal close to bedtime, because it may result in indigestion, reflux or heartburn.

Feel free to send me any of your health-related questions at askdrmanny@gmail.com.