Medications and how to manage their use safely is a big concern for many older people.

For individuals with Alzheimer's, doctors may prescribe medications to help ease the symptoms of the disease and to address depression, sleeplessness, anxiety or other behaviors that are disruptive. Individuals may be taking medications for co-exisiting medical conditions too.

To understand and practice medication safety, consider the following tips.

Get medical advice

Be cautious about giving any medication, whether it's an over-the-counter or prescription drug.

• Ask your doctor to review all medication to check for possible drug interactions.
  
  
• Make sure that every doctor involved with the person's care knows about all prescribed medications.
  
  
• Find out as much as possible about every medication, including name, purpose, dosage, frequency and possible side effects. If the side effects are troubling, report them to the doctor.
  
  
• Rely on your local pharmacist for information; he or she can also check for interaction among drugs.
  
  
• Under no circumstances should you change dosages without first consulting the physician.

Maintain medication records

Keep a written record of all current medications, including the name, dosage and starting date. Carry a copy of this list with you in your wallet or purse at all times. This record will be invaluable in the event of a serious drug interaction or overdose.

Taking medication safely

• Use simple language and clear instructions: "Here's the pill for your high blood pressure. Put it in your mouth and drink some water."
  
  
• Develop a routine for giving the medication. If the person refuses to take the medication, stop and try again later. Never assume the individual will take medications on his or her own.
  
  
• Use a bill pox organizer. You may find it helpful to keep a daily list or calendar and check off each dose as it's taken.
  
  
• Ask your doctor if the medication is available in some other form, such as a liquid, if the person has problems swallowing pills. Some medications can be crushed and mixed with food. However, no pill or tablet should be crushed without first consulting your physician or pharmacist. Crushing some medications may cause them to be ineffective or unsafe.
  
  
• Place medications in a locked drawer or cabinet. Be sure to throw out old medicines.
  
  
• Keep the number of your local poison control center or emergency room handy. If you suspect a medication overdose, call poison control or 911 before taking any action.

Next: MedicAlert + Safe Return