What is a benefit of adding dietary supplements to an older adult's treatment plan?
1. Increased effectiveness of prescribed drugs
2. An inexpensive alternative to traditional medicines
3. Possible prevention of nutritional deficits
4. Prevention of Alzheimer disease
Correct Answer: 3
Rationale 1: Herbal supplements may not increase the effectiveness of prescription drugs and may, in fact, decrease it.
Rationale 2: Although they might be less expensive, they should not be substituted for necessary prescription medications.
Rationale 3: Nutritional deficiencies greatly increase with age, and supplements help to prevent or eliminate these deficiencies. Some research has shown that older adults who have low levels of folate and vitamin B12 have an increased risk of developing Alzheimer disease.
Rationale 4: There is speculation that some herbs and supplements might prevent Alzheimer disease, but this theory has not been proven.
Global Rationale: Nutritional deficiencies greatly increase with age, and supplements help to prevent or eliminate these deficiencies. Some research has shown that older adults who have low levels of folate and vitamin B12 have an increased risk of developing Alzheimer disease. Herbal supplements may not increase the effectiveness of prescription drugs and may, in fact, decrease it. Although they might be less expensive, they should not be substituted for necessary prescription medications. There is speculation that some herbs and supplements might prevent Alzheimer disease, but this theory has not been proven.
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