I learned something surprising a few days before Jim’s geriatric assessment and the doctor confirmed the information. Benadryl  can have ill effects on dementia symptoms and potentially increase the risk of developing it.

Benadryl can make you drowsy, and may cause someone with dementia to sleep more often.

But, for someone like me with an increased chance of getting dementia, Benadryl could pose a significant hazard.

The geriatric doctor suggested I switch over to a ‘second generation’ antihistamine like Reactine, Claritin or Aerius.

I chatted with the pharmacist and she agreed with the doctor’s advice and said all three are equally good. For some people the only difference is price and buy whichever brand is on sale.

Needless to say, I bought new allergy medicine with my groceries.