I'm Joe Gradyton and I'm Terry Grady. Welcome to this podcast of the People's Pharmacy.

You can find previous podcasts and more information on a range of health topics at people's pharmacy.com.

Starting a new medicine is surprisingly easy.

On the other hand, stopping many medications can become a nightmare.

This is the People's Pharmacy with Terry and Joe Grayden. The Food and Drug Administration refers to withdrawal symptoms as

discontinuation syndrome. This terminology is applied to opioids of course, but also to antidepressants.

Stopping drugs ranging from antihistamines and nasal sprays to acid suppressing drugs and anti-anxiety agents can lead to

unpleasant or even intolerable reactions.

The FDA provides prescribers, pharmacists, and patients little if any guidance on how to discontinue

medication safely.

Why is this problem a secret? In the People's Pharmacy Health Headlines, as the FDA considers whether to approve a new drug

Donanomab to clear amyloid plaque from the brain,

a randomized controlled trial demonstrates that lifestyle changes

can make a big difference against Alzheimer disease.

The scientists recruited 51 adults diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment

or early dementia due to Alzheimer disease.

Most were in their 70s.

For five months, half the volunteers receive usual care

while the other half were coached in making important lifestyle changes.

They switched their diets to emphasize

minimally processed plant foods with very little fat, refined foods, alcohol, or

sweeteners. They engaged in strength training and aerobic exercise for at least half an hour

...