
Mailbag! Urgent New Alzheimer’s Warning
Dear Living Well Daily Reader,
You’ve got questions…
We’ve got answers!
If you have a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease, you know how quickly their health can go downhill.
Even worse, some of the most popular drugs prescribed for Alzheimer’s symptoms can make patients sicker… and maybe even kill them.
In fact, there’s one class of drugs that’s endangering the lives of countless Alzheimer’s patients right now. This is an urgent warning that all Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers need to hear.
Let’s dive in…
Hi Natalie,
My mom has Alzheimer’s. The doctor has prescribed Xanax to help with her agitation and anxiety. It seems to work, but ever since she started taking it, she’s come down with pneumonia twice. Do you know if there’s some connection?
Thanks,
Sherri S.
Unfortunately, Sherri, you may have hit the nail on the head.
Let’s start with the basics about pneumonia…
Pneumonia is a sometimes deadly lung infection that is more common among the elderly.
All forms of dementia, like Alzheimer’s, increase the risk of developing pneumonia. But once you combine pneumonia with anxiety drugs like Xanax, you’re looking at a potentially deadly combination.
You see, according to research out of Finland, folks who suffer from Alzheimer’s and take benzodiazepines, like Xanax, are at increased risk for pneumonia.
In a recent study, scientists from the University of Eastern Finland sifted through medical data on nearly 50,000 adults who suffered from Alzheimer’s and were taking benzodiazepines.
After crunching the numbers, the researchers found that Alzheimer’s patients who took benzodiazepines had a 30 percent increased risk of developing pneumonia.
This means taking benzodiazepines while suffering from Alzheimer’s could up your risk of suffering from this deadly infection by nearly a third.
The same study found that other sedatives called Z-drugs didn’t increase pneumonia risk. But that doesn’t mean they are a good alternative. This class of drugs, including Ambien, come with their fair share of risks, including confusion and hallucinations — perhaps not the best solution for anyone already having cognitive issues (or anyone, for that matter).
One way to help quell anxiety without drugs is with passionflower extract. A few studies show it can help you reduce your anxiety as well as some benzodiazepines.
You can find passionflower extract at natural health stores or at pipingrock.com. Be sure to check with your doc before starting or stopping an anti-anxiety medication or supplement.
Do you have health questions you want answered? Drop me a line: feedback@livingwelldaily.com.
Live well,
Natalie Moore
Managing editor, Living Well Daily
Ed. Note: Please send your feedback: feedback@livingwelldaily.com – and click here to like us on Facebook.
Sources
[1] Risk Factors
[2] Common sedatives linked to increased risk of pneumonia in people with Alzheimer’s disease
[3] Common sedatives raise pneumonia risk in Alzheimer’s patients
[4] Passionflower

Written By Natalie Moore
Natalie Moore is a dedicated health researcher with a passion for finding healthy, natural, and science-based solutions. After a decade of direct healthcare experience in western and natural medicine, she was involved in public health research before joining Living Well Daily.
View More Free Articles
Mailbag: Science-Backed Strategies Target Belly Fat
“What is an effective strategy for gradually eliminating (white) belly fat?” —Slimming Down Hi Slimming, White fat is the most common fat in the body, and its primary purpose is to store energy. But belly fat isn’t just about appearances. Having too much of it is associated with health issues like diabetes, heart disease, and...
Just 35 Minutes Could SAVE Your Brain
For years, I’ve told you exercise is non-negotiable for healthy aging. As you age you must move more to protect your body and brain. Now, groundbreaking new research confirms what I’ve been saying all along. Exercise can slash your dementia risk—but with a surprising twist that eliminates your last excuse for not moving more. Dementia...
The One Supplement I'll Never Stop Taking
Omega-3s are one of the few supplements I’ve continued to take ever since I graduated from medical school. And now, exciting new research confirms what I’ve suspected all along… This remarkable fatty acid doesn’t only support heart and brain health—it could, quite literally, slow down the aging process itself. Omega-3s are polyunsaturated fats your body...
Your Morning Tea Pulls DOUBLE DUTY as a Heavy Metal Detox
You don’t need another reason to drink tea, do you? You already know tea helps with everything from boosting heart health and metabolism to reducing stress. It’s packed with antioxidants, calms inflammation, and gives you a gentler caffeine boost than coffee. But now researchers have discovered yet another benefit of your daily drink—and this one...
Fiery Spice Cools Painful IBD Inflammation
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) involves chronic inflammation of the digestive tract that causes abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fatigue. The two most common forms of IBD are Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis. Crohn’s can cause inflammation anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus. Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation and ulceration in the large intestine...
Ditch the Coffee Dehydration Myth and Enjoy Java Again
I can’t imagine starting my day without a delicious steaming cup of hot coffee. If you’re also a coffee fan, I bet you’ve been treated to well-meaning warnings by the non-Java drinkers… “Coffee is so dehydrating!” “It’s basically stealing water from your body!” “You need to drink extra water to make up for it!” Even...
Research Reveals Loneliness is “Poisoning” Your Blood
We humans are social creatures. We thrive on connection, communication, and shared experiences—which help shape our identities and foster a sense of belonging. Yet, loneliness and social isolation are alarmingly common in an increasingly digital and fast-paced world. The World Health Organization (WHO) says about 25 percent of older people experience social isolation. But new...
Mailbag: Ease Invisible Pain and Fatigue NATURALLY
“Why isn’t there more research on fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome? It’s mainly a woman’s condition and too many health professionals tell us “It’s all in your head,” or words to that effect.” —Fatigued and Fuming Hi Fuming, Your frustration over the lack of research and dismissive attitudes when it comes to fibromyalgia and...
Junk Food DOUBLES Risk of Embarrassing Leaks
Ladies, if you need another reason to think twice before hitting the drive-thru, I have one for you. A new study found that a fast-food habit can contribute to a problem most women would rather not talk about—urinary incontinence. That’s right, those embarrassing “oops” moments when you laugh, cough, or exercise could be directly linked...
Common Fungus Beats the Flu at Its Own Game
Big Pharma pushes annual flu shots like your life depends on it. What’s more, they insist expensive antivirals are your only defense against influenza. But Mother Nature is hiding a more effective solution right under our noses—or rather, under forest floors and in grocery store produce sections. There’s growing evidence that the humble mushroom is...