Re: Thanks to Kathrynne Holden

["Kathrynne Holden, MS, RD" <fivestar@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Dear Eleanor,

> Could you tell me please tell me about Calcium Citrate--what it is and what
> effect it has on dementia?

People over age 50 are advised to get 1200 mg of calcium daily, which
can be difficult to get in a day's meals. Therefore, many need to use
calcium supplements, and the most common is calcium carbonate (Tums is
an example of calcium carbonate). However, it is an antacid, and
long-term use can suppress stomach acids.

This is significant, because stomach acids are needed in order to digest
vitamin B12. Older adults often don't make as much of these stomach
acids as they used to, so an antacid can really have an impact on the
absorption of B12. And B12 depletes rather slowly, sometimes over a
period of several years. Signs of deficiency mimic those of
Alzheimer's-type dementia, and misdiagnosis can occur.

So I often recommend calcium citrate for some individuals who need
calcium supplements; it is not an antacid, and is well absorbed.

> My Mother has hallucinations sometimes.  She
> takes Resperidal at night for the confusion and the hallucinations, but
> lately it doesn't seem to be doing a lot of good.  Her Dr. told me yesterday
> that I could add 1/2 tablet if needed.  Would Calcium Citrate help?

No, calcium citrate will not help with hallucinations. Some medications
can cause hallucinations, particularly when several medications are
used, especially in older adults; I would ask her doctor if she could
reduce the amount of any of her medications, or if there are any that
could be eliminated.

My very best regards to you and your mother,
Kathrynne



--
Kathrynne Holden, MS, RD
Medical nutrition therapy

    "We are living in a world today where
      lemonade is made from artificial flavors and
      furniture polish is made from real lemons."   --Alfred E. Newman