Fungus in  foot skin of elderly people.

In addition to the skin, we should observe the changes that occur in the feet of our elderly as they are susceptible to fungal infections.

Fungus on the feet of older adults is primarily caused by fungal infections, with the most common being those produced by dermatophytes, such as Trichophyton rubrum. These infections are known as athlete’s foot or tinea pedis. Several factors can contribute to the development of foot fungus in older adults:

  1. Compromised Immune System: As people age, their immune system may become less effective, making them more susceptible to infections.
  2. Circulatory Disorders: Older people often have slower blood circulation, especially in the extremities, which can make it harder to fight infections.
  3. Skin Conditions: The skin of older adults may become thinner and drier, making it more vulnerable to infections.
  4. Moist and Warm Environment: Wearing closed shoes for prolonged periods, along with sweating, creates a moist and warm environment that promotes fungal growth.
  5. Poor Hygiene: Difficulties in maintaining proper hygiene due to mobility or vision problems can contribute to the proliferation of fungus.
  6. Chronic Diseases: Conditions such as diabetes can increase the risk of fungal infections due to greater susceptibility and difficulties in healing.

To prevent and treat foot fungus, it is important to maintain good hygiene, wear breathable footwear, keep the feet dry, and, in case of infection, use antifungal treatments as directed by a healthcare professional.

Fungal infections also often affect the nails, known as onychomycosis, and are caused by three types of fungi:

  1. Dermatophytes: The most common is Trichophyton rubrum, which is responsible for the majority of infections in the toenails. Another dermatophyte that can cause infections is Trichophyton mentagrophytes.
  2. Yeast-like Fungi: The most common is Candida albicans, although it is less frequent in toenails than in fingernails.
  3. Non-Dermatophyte Molds: These include species such as Scopulariopsis brevicaulis, Aspergillus, and Fusarium. These fungi are less common but can infect the nails, especially in cases of previous nail damage or immunodeficiency.

Nail fungal infections can cause the nails to become thick, discolored, brittle, and deformed. To treat these infections, doctors often prescribe topical or systemic antifungal treatments, and in some cases, debridement or removal of the affected nail may be necessary.

It is important to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment, as nail fungal infections can be persistent and difficult to treat.

References

Kaul, S., Yadav, S., & Dogra, S. (2017). Treatment of dermatophytosis in elderly, children, and pregnant women. Indian dermatology online journal, 8(5), 310-318.

Kauffman, C. A., & Yoshikawa, T. T. (2001). Fungal infections in older adults. Clinical Infectious Diseases, 33(4), 550-555.

Piérard, G. (2001). Onychomycosis and other superficial fungal infections of the foot in the elderly: a pan-European survey. Dermatology, 202(3), 220-224.

Yalçın, B., Tamer, E., Toy, G. G., Öztaş, P., Hayran, M., & Allı, N. (2006). The prevalence of skin diseases in the elderly: analysis of 4099 geriatric patients. International journal of dermatology, 45(6), 672-676.

Understanding and Embracing Sexuality in Old Age

 Hello my dear followers, today I will be writing about sexuality in older adults, which is an important and often underestimated topic. 

 I begin by stating that sexuality is an integral part of human well-being throughout all stages of life, including old age. As people age, their sexuality may undergo changes, but it remains a significant source of pleasure, intimacy, and emotional connection.

Physical Aspects

1. Physiological Changes:

   – Men: They may experience erectile dysfunction, decreased testosterone and less firmness in erections.

   – Women: They may experience vaginal dryness, decreased estrogen and changes in vaginal elasticity, which can cause pain during sexual intercourse.

2. General Health:

   – Chronic diseases, such as Diabetes and Heart disease, and the use of certain medications can affect sexual function.

Some of the most common are:

1. Antidepressants:

   – Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as fluoxetine, sertraline and paroxetine can cause decreased sexual desire, erectile dysfunction and difficulty achieving orgasm.

   – Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline and imipramine can also reduce sexual desire and cause erection problems.

2. For high blood pressure:

   – Beta blockers (such as metoprolol and propranolol) can cause erectile dysfunction and decreased sexual desire.

   – Diuretics (such as hydrochlorothiazide) can decrease blood flow to the penis, causing erection problems.

3. Cholesterol medications:

   – Statins such as atorvastatin and simvastatin may be associated with decreased sexual desire and erection problems.

4. Medications for the prostate:

   – Alpha blockers (such as tamsulosin) and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors (such as finasteride and dutasteride) can cause decreased sexual desire and erection problems.

5. Medications for heart conditions:

   – Digoxin can reduce sexual desire and cause erectile dysfunction.

6. Medications for Diabetes Mellitus:

   – Some diabetes medications can have side effects that include sexual problems, although proper control of blood glucose is crucial to avoid sexual problems related to this disease.

7. Pain relief medications:

   – Opioids such as morphine, oxycodone and codeine can cause decreased sexual desire and erection problems.

   – Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen, when used long term, can affect sexual function.

8. Antihistamines:

   – Medications such as diphenhydramine and chlorpheniramine can cause erectile dysfunction and decreased sexual desire.

9. Antipsychotics:

   – Medications such as haloperidol, risperidone and olanzapine can reduce sexual desire and cause erection problems and difficulties reaching orgasm.

It is important for older adults to talk to their doctors about any sexual problems they experience, as in many cases there are alternatives or treatments available to mitigate these side effects.

Psychological and Emotional Aspects

1.Self-esteem and Body Image:

   – The perception of one’s own body can change with age, affecting self-esteem and sexual desire.

   – Maintaining a positive body image and accepting the natural changes of aging is crucial.

2. Intimacy and Connection:

   – Sexuality in old age can be an important source of intimacy and emotional connection, not just physical pleasure.

   – Open communication with your partner about wants and needs is essential.

Social factors

1. Stereotypes and Taboos:

   – There are many negative stereotypes about sexuality in old age that can inhibit sexual expression.

   – It is important to challenge these taboos and recognize that sexuality is a natural part of life at any age.

There are several stereotypes and taboos that can negatively affect sexuality in older adults. These myths and misconceptions can limit sexual expression and decrease quality of life in old age. Here are some of the most common:

1. “Sexuality is only for young people”:

   – This stereotype suggests that sexual desire and activity inevitably decline with age and that older adults should have no interest in sex. The reality is that many older people continue to have an active and satisfying sexual life.

2. “Aging eliminates sexual desire”:

   – It is mistakenly believed that the physiological changes associated with aging completely eliminate sexual desire. While there may be changes in sexual response, desire may persist and adapt to new forms of expression.

3. “Older adults are not sexually attractive”:

   – This taboo is based on youthful beauty standards and can affect the self-esteem of older people, making them feel that they are not desirable.

4. “Sex is only for reproduction”:

   – The perception that sexuality has to do exclusively with procreation can lead to the devaluation of sexual life in old age, ignoring that sex is also a source of pleasure and emotional connection.

5. “Older people should not talk about sex”:

   – There is a belief that sexuality is an inappropriate topic for older people, which can make open communication about sexual desires and needs difficult.

6. “Sexual problems in old age are normal and have no solution”:

   – This myth can lead older adults not to seek help for sexual problems, assuming that they are inevitable. However, many problems can be successfully treated with the help of health professionals.

7. “Older people in care institutions should not engage in sexual activity”:

   – In settings such as nursing homes, there may be a lack of privacy or even explicit restrictions on sexual activity, based on the belief that it is inappropriate.

8. “The use of medications to improve sexual function is only for young people”:

   – Older adults may be hesitant to use treatments such as hormone therapy or erectile dysfunction medications due to the belief that they are not right for them.

9. “Older people should not form new romantic relationships”:

   – There is the idea that, after a certain age, it is not appropriate or necessary to seek new romantic relationships, which can limit the opportunity for older adults to find a partner and enjoy intimacy.

It is essential to challenge and dismantle these stereotypes to promote a more inclusive and positive understanding of sexuality in later life, allowing older adults to fully live their sexual lives.

2. Loss of Partner:

   – The loss of a partner can have a significant impact on the sexual and emotional life of older adults.

   – Some may find new relationships, while others may focus on self-exploration and personal pleasure.

Tips for a Healthy Sex Life

1. Communication:

   – Talk openly with your partner about desires, limits and any sexual problems.

2. Education:

   – Find information and resources about sexuality in old age, including therapies and treatments available for sexual problems.

3. Healthy Diet: A diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals improves sexual function, a Mediterranean diet is perfect, for example.

4 Avoid excess alcohol and tobacco

5 Create a comfortable and safe environment, clean, adequate lighting, soft music, light underwear, comfortable bed and above all privacy invite sex.

6 Explore new forms of intimacy: Penetration is not the only form of sexual intimacy, arms, kisses, caresses, oral sex, massages as well as the use of erotic toys can be equally pleasurable and satisfying.

7 Reduce stress: The practice of relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga and deep breathing help mitigate stress

8 Medical Care:

   – Consult with health professionals to address any physical or emotional problems related to sexuality.

Sexuality in older adults is as valid and important as at any other stage of life. Promoting a positive and open vision about sexuality in old age contributes to general well-being and a better quality of life. In a future publication I will talk to you about stress.  

References

Kalra, G., Subramanyam, A., & Pinto, C. (2011). Sexuality: Desire, activity and intimacy in the elderly. Indian journal of psychiatry53(4), 300-306.

Merghati-Khoei, E., Pirak, A., Yazdkhasti, M., & Rezasoltani, P. (2016). Sexuality and elderly with chronic diseases: A review of the existing literature. Journal of Research in Medical Sciences21(1), 136.

Uchôa, Y. D. S., Costa, D. C. A. D., Silva, I. A. P. D., Silva, S. D. T. S. E. D., Freitas, W. M. T. D. M., & Soares, S. C. D. S. (2016). Sexuality through the eyes of the elderly. Revista Brasileira de Geriatria e Gerontologia19(06), 939-949.

 

Updated Classification of Antidepressants for Older Adults: A Simplified Guide

Antidepressants

An important topic for those of us who care for older adults is antidepressants, These are frequently used in the treatment of depression, if you work caring for older adults, this post will be very useful, if you have a family member who is experiencing depression or taking this type of medication, it may also be of interest to you, to search for more information on the subject and/or to find specialized help.

Classification according mechanism of action

Below, I present an updated classification of these drugs according to their mechanism of action.

Class A: Monoaminergic modulators
Class A I: Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
AIa: Irreversible non-selective Tranylcypromine, Phenelzine, Isocarboxazid
AIb: Irreversible selective MAO-B: Selegiline
AIc: Reversible selective MAO-A: Moclobemide
Class A II: Neuronal reuptake inhibitors
AIIa: Relatively selective
AIIa: Serotonergic: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): Fluoxetine, Sertraline, Paroxetine, Citalopram, Escitalopram), Fluvoxamine
AIIb: Serotonergic and noradrenergic Serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRI): Venlafaxine, Desvenlafaxine, Duloxetine, Milnacipran, Levomilnacipran
AIIc: Noradrenergic and dopaminergic Noradrenaline and dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI): Bupropion
Class A III: Alpha-2 (α2) receptor antagonists Noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressant (NaSSA): Mirtazapine
Class A IV: Multimodals
AIVa: Serotonergics: Vortioxetine, Vilazodone, Trazodone(2) AIVb: Noradrenergics: Mianserine, Maprotiline
AIVc: Noradrenergic and serotonergics (with significant muscarinic antagonism): Imipramine, Clomipramine, Amitriptyline, Desipramine, Nortriptyline
Class B: Non-Monoaminergic modulators
Melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) agonists: Agomelatine
Class C: Drugs in research and development

source: Alvano & Zieher (2020)

The most commonly used by older adults are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as sertraline, fluoxetine, and paroxetine. These medications are usually safe and effective in this population, but it is always important to consult with a specialist before starting any treatment. Fasipe (2018)

Long-term use of antidepressants, especially in older adults, may have some side effects, which may include:

  1. Increased risk of falls and fractures due to decreased balance and coordination.
  2. Gastrointestinal problems, such as nausea, diarrhea, or constipation.
  3. Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia or excessive drowsiness.
  4. Decreased appetite or weight gain.
  5. Risk of serotonin syndrome, especially if taken along with other medications that increase serotonin levels in the body.
  6. Sexual problems, such as decreased sexual desire or difficulties achieving orgasm.
  7. Increased risk of bleeding, especially in people taking anticoagulants.

It is important for older adults taking antidepressants to be regularly monitored by a doctor to detect and manage any potential side effects.

Tips:

If you are caring for an older adult or working in an ALF( assisted living facility) take into account the antidepressant medications that the patient(s) are taking, as well as their daily dosage and frequency. Be alert to any changes in behavior or clinical symptoms that may indicate they are experiencing adverse or side effects after taking the medication and report it to their family members or administrators so that they can take action and solve the problem in time.

If you liked the publication, comment and share. Your comments can help improve my posts and suggest topics of interest. I leave the references for you to delve deeper into this topic. In my next post, I will talk about the psychology of the older adult.

References

Alvano, S. A., & Zieher, L. M. (2020). An updated classification of antidepressants: A proposal to simplify treatment. Personalized Medicine in Psychiatry, 19, 100042. Available in 

Understanding Benzodiazepines and Their Impact on Older Adults.

Benzodiazepines are a class of medications that act on the central nervous system to produce sedative, anxiolytic, hypnotic, anticonvulsant, and muscle relaxing effects. They are commonly prescribed to treat anxiety disorders, insomnia, seizures, and other nervous system-related issues. However, their prolonged use can lead to dependence and other adverse effects. The most commonly used by older adults are those with a shorter half-life and less tendency to accumulate in the body, such as lorazepam (Ativan), alprazolam (Xanax), and oxazepam (Serax). These are preferred due to their lower potential to cause adverse effects and accumulation in the body. However, their use must be carefully monitored due to the risk of dependence and side effects, particularly in older adults, where they may increase the risk of falls, confusion, excessive drowsiness, and loss of memory and attention, in addition to their prolonged use potentially leading to dependence and tolerance, which complicates withdrawal.

This pharmacological group has interactions due to its metabolism (pharmacokinetics), increasing benzodiazepine concentrations in relation to medications like digoxin, omeprazole, and beta-blockers, which are frequently used by older adults. Additionally, in terms of effect (pharmacodynamics), antidepressants, anticonvulsants, neuroleptics, and antihistamines enhance their depressive effects.

The use of these medications should be evaluated by psychiatrists, and depending on the clinical picture, comorbidities, and the age of the older adult, the prescription of benzodiazepines will proceed or not.

If you liked the post, give me a like and/or comment. Your interaction can help improve my posts.

References

Hirschtritt, M. E., Olfson, M., & Kroenke, K. (2021). Balancing the risks and benefits of benzodiazepines. Jama325(4), 347-348.es

Ballokova, A., Peel, N. M., Fialova, D., Scott, I. A., Gray, L. C., & Hubbard, R. E. (2014). Use of benzodiazepines and association with falls in older people admitted to hospital: a prospective cohort study. Drugs & aging31, 299-310.

Assisted living facilities.

One of the topics that are discussed in families with older adults, and that constitute a real dilemma, is whether to place the elderly in a Home or not.

It is true that the best place for a relative of ours who is 80 years old or older, with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s, or with comorbidities such as Diabetes Mellitus, for example, is with their family, which can provide the emotional, emotional and economic support that they need. needs. However, in most cases, this does not happen because these relatives work and cannot take care of them, constituting a burden and a problem for society because the behavior of the elderly when it deviates from the normal, such as running away, causes a fire at home, accident, fall or other foreseeable accident that can only be prevented with the jealous care of personnel trained for this purpose who can be found in Assisted living facilities or homes services, in adult Daycare or in help services. In the home. In the previous post we talked about the figure of the Medicaid Alliance as a mediating institution to provide our family member with the long term care benefit.

One of the services provided to older adults through long term care are ALFs, which are residential facilities designed for seniors who need help with daily activities such as eating, dressing, or bathing, but who can still live independently. They offer personalized support services and medical care according to the individual needs of each resident.

These places offer food services, laundry, cleaning, personal care, bathing, recreational and social activities, medical services by having a primary doctor, specialists in Psychiatry, Dermatology, Physical Therapy, Podiatry, among others.

As a service worker who has been in one of these facilities, I can assure you that your family member can lead a normal and satisfactory life in these places depending on the quality and competence of the caregivers, who must have their in services updated annually, compliance with the rules and regulations in force for this type of institutions and the management of the functions of these facilities, such as, for example, the administration of medications, cleaning and feeding, fire emergency plans, health controls, among others.

Advice. If you are looking for a facility, you must investigate and do your own search, for the place that best suits the needs of your family member, look for references of people who have this service, of suppliers, visit the places, do an interview with the owner or administrator , with the caregivers and with the residents who are the beneficiaries of these services and can better guide you in your search.

 You can also access information about the prices of these facilities and for this I invite you to visit the following link

   

https://www.ncoa.org/adviser/local-care/assisted-living/costs/

In my next post I will talk about 41K

Squizoprhenia,anxiety, and mood disorders.

All people who work with people with dementia, schizophrenia, behavioral disorders, anxiety and depression, must have knowledge basic to have effective communication, when you help them if you work in a daycare, assisting living facility, nursing home, hospital or if you live with them at home. That is why I write in this blog because some aspects of its pathophysiology must be known.

Pathophysiology is the study of the functional and physiological changes that occur in the body as a result of disease or injury. It examines how the normal processes of the body are altered and how these alterations lead to the manifestation of symptoms and clinical signs of specific diseases. It is a fundamental discipline for understanding the basis of various diseases and for developing strategies for diagnosis and treatment.

This post will address schizophrenia, anxiety, and mood disorders.

Schizophrenia is a psychiatric illness characterized by a combination of symptoms that includes hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and cognitive impairment associated with an imbalance of dopamine and serotonin, as well as hypofunction of the prefrontal cortex and hyperactivity of the amygdala.

At present, the molecular mechanism of schizophrenia is not completely known, but there is strong scientific evidence that supports the genetic component in its pathophysiology. Twin and family studies have shown that people with close relatives with schizophrenia have a greater probability of having schizophrenia, multiple genes are believed to interact, influencing the regulation of glutamate signals, synaptic function, DNA transcription and chromatin remodeling.

Alterations in brain development during pregnancy and early childhood increase the risk, exposure to environmental toxins, viral infections during pregnancy, complications during childbirth can increase the possibility of getting sick in later stages, chronic stress, Drug use such as marijuana or methamphetamine and traumatic experiences in childhood are environmental factors involved in the development of schizophrenia.

Anxiety disorders are an exaggerated anxiety response to everyday activities. Its pathophysiology presents an interaction of genetic, neurochemical and environmental factors as well as disorders in serotonin, norepinephrine and GABA, just as in schizophrenia the prefrontal cortex and the amygdala are involved.

Mood disorders such as depression and bipolarity alter mood and functionality; the neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine are involved, as well as alterations in neuronal activity and synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, as well as the regulation of the circadian rhythm that brings with it extreme changes in moods.

Further Beyond the medications that these people consume to calm their anxiety, depression, improve their memory, and be able to sleep, we must look at the human side of these patients who are invisible to society and an economic burden for their families. Kind and respectful treatment restores their dignity.

pathophysiology of dementia

Parkinson Dementia Pexels.com

Esta publicación esta dedicada a todas las personas que de algun modo lidian a diario con la demencia, ya sea ppr atenderlos como pacientes, o por convivir con algún familiar afectado.

Pathophysiology of Dementia

Dementia is a neurodegenerative disease of the brain that affects millions of people worldwide that is characterized by impairment of people’s cognitive, memory, and daily functioning dimensions.
There are different mechanisms that contribute to the onset and progression of dementia, the most studied of which have been the presence of beta amyloid and tau protein neurofibrils, neuroinflammation and synaptic dysfunction. (Cantone, 2023)
Molecular Mechanism of Dementia
One of the most studied molecular mechanisms in the pathogenesis of the dementia is the presence of the amyloid beta peptide and the tau protein, the former being found extracellularly in the form of plaques, and the latter in the form of tangles intracellularly. The presence of these proteins alters neuronal function and triggers neurotoxicity, which in the long term contributes to synaptic dysfunction and cell apoptosis. (Guo, Zhang, Zeng, & et al, 2020)
Neuroinflammation plays a fundamental role, since microglia, a type of glial cell present in the central nervous system, which is responsible for the defense and phagocytosis of pathogens that attack the brain, is activated in the presence of the mentioned proteins and neuronal damage. This chronic activation of microglia tends to release pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin 1beta and tumor necrosis factor alpha, causing neuroinflammation and compromising the integrity of neurons. (Kuang, et al 2021)
Disorders or alterations of synaptic function contribute to the deterioration of cognitive function that culminates in dementia. (Pei et al, 2022)

Recent research explains the role of mitochondria in neurodegenerative diseases, since cell respiration is carried out in this organelle, the production of ATP and intracellular calcium levels are regulated, they are affected by oxidative stress, oxygen free radicals, the dysregulation of homeostatic mechanisms of calcium ions and the accumulation of toxic or pathogenic proteins. (Anoar, Woodling,& Niccoli,2020)
Epigenetic modifications such as DNA and histone methylation, histone acetylation, RNA micro dysregulation, influence genetic pattern that ensures neuronal survival, synaptic plasticity, and neuroinflammation and contribute to the progression of dementia, also DNA methylation is being studied as a possible biomarker for diagnostics purpose. Other studies suggest that methyl donors and/or drugs that act on methyl metabolism may be therapeutic agents for Alzheimer’s dementia. , (Shadyab, et al 2022)

Type of dementia Symptoms and clinical features
Alzheimer’s Dementia
Associated with amyloid beta protein and tau protein, which cause neuronal damage Memory loss and language, impaired judgment, Loss of ability to perform everyday actions.
Vascular Dementia
There is damage to the blood vessels that run into the brain such as a stroke, or when white matter fibers are damaged. Difficulty solving problems, slowness of Loss of concentration and organization

Lewy body dementia
Lewy bodies are abnormal deposits of the protein alpha synuclein in the brain. They are also seen in Parkinson’s dementia People act out their dreams, have visual hallucinations, sleep speech, have problems with concentration or attention, slow or uncoordinated movements, tremors, rigidity, which is known as Parkinsonism
Frontotemporal Dementia
There is a breakdown of neurons and their connections in the temporal and frontal lobes of the brain

Mixed dementia
There is a combination of causes. Symptoms often overlap depending on the causes

Frontotemporal dementia

These areas are associated with personality, behavior, and language, with the most common symptoms being changes in behavior, personality, thinking, judgment, and language.


The understanding of the molecular pathophysiology is of great relevance since depending on it, it will guide the professionals in charge of these patients in the clinical diagnosis, with the help of the personal and family history, the interaction of the patient with his environment, the physical examination, the use of modern technologies such as MRI, positron emission tomography can detect the alpha amiloyd protein, as well as the use of biomarkers to predict their onset, evolution, prognosis and therapeutic decisions such as the use of drugs that act on methyl metabolism as therapeutic agents for the treatment of Alzheimer’s.
A clinical session assesses memory, language skills, visual perception, attention, problem-solving ability, movement, senses, balance, reflexes, and other areas.
Blood tests can detect, for example, a lack of vitamin B-12 that affects brain function or an underactive thyroid gland. Sometimes, it is analyzed cerebrospinal fluid for review the presence of tau and alpha amyloid proteins that cause neuroinflammation in Alzheimer’s disease and markers of some degenerative diseases.
Conclusion
The study of the molecular mechanisms of dementia allows us to know the presence of the amyloid protein alpha and the protein tau, which cause neuronal damage and are present in Alzheimer’s disease, the synaptic dysfunction that causes cognitive impairment, recently the role of mitochondria in oxidative stress and the accumulation of proteins and cellular pathogens. Current research uses epigenetics to explain the role of DNA methylation in dementias such as Alzheimer’s. The use of biomarkers can be used for early diagnosis and replace histopathological examination in autopsies of patients with dementia, and with comprehensive treatment it will be possible to improve the quality of life by delaying the clinical symptoms and psychiatric condition of these patients. There is still a long way to go in the study of dementia.

Alzheimer’s Dementia Pexels.com

benefits to drink coffee

Coffee is one of the most popular beverage you take in the morning after wake up.

The popularity of coffee products is related to their unique sensory and pleasant flavor (Pereira et al., 2019). Coffee consumption has greatly increased all around the world. Coffee bioactive components include phenolic compounds (chlorogenic acids, cafestol and kahweol), alkaloids (caffeine and trigonelin), diterpenes (cafestol and kahweol) and other secondary metabolites. Regular coffee consumption has been associated with a healthy profile in consumers. Improvements in mental alertness, reducing risk of disease development (type 2 diabetes, depression, suicidal behavior, cancer, hepatic injury, cirrhosis, and neurological and cardiovascular disorders like Parkinson disease and stroke), and positive effects on the gastrointestinal tract and gut microbiota are well documented benefits.

Coffee is a social drink too, USA, Brazil and European Union are the major consumers in the planet. People consume every day at least one cup of coffee, in USA you can see the coffeeshops as Starbuck coffee and Dunkin Donuts plenty of consumers during all day. So when you smell and drink your cup of this wonderful beverage, think about his health benefits.