A recent study from the University of California, San Diego, has discovered that certain commonly used medications might lead to memory problems.
This study focused on a group of drugs known as anticholinergic drugs, which are used to treat a variety of conditions.
Anticholinergic drugs are used to treat many health issues, such as high blood pressure, allergies, colds, Parkinson’s disease, and bladder problems.
There are about 100 types of these drugs, some of which require a doctor’s prescription, while others can be purchased over the counter.
The study tracked 688 people with an average age of 74, none of whom had memory or thinking problems at the beginning. Participants were asked to report their use of anticholinergic drugs if they had taken them at least once a week for over six months.
Over a period of up to 10 years, these individuals underwent annual tests to evaluate their memory and thinking skills.
About one-third of the participants were taking anticholinergic drugs regularly, with an average of five different medications. The most common drugs included Metoprolol, Atenolol, Loratadine, and Bupropion.
The study revealed that those taking at least one anticholinergic drug had a 47% higher chance of developing memory problems compared to those not taking these drugs. Memory issues were often early signs of more serious memory diseases.
Additionally, people with signs of Alzheimer’s disease in their body and those with a genetic predisposition to Alzheimer’s had an even higher risk.
Those with Alzheimer’s markers were four times more likely to develop memory problems if they took these drugs. Similarly, individuals with genes making them prone to Alzheimer’s were 2.5 times more likely to have memory issues when using these medications.
This discovery is significant because it suggests that reducing the use of anticholinergic drugs before experiencing memory issues could help prevent future problems. This is particularly important for people already at a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
For those with high blood pressure, it’s crucial to stay informed about additional research. Changes in blood pressure can signal the start of heart problems, and dietary choices like including beetroot can help manage high blood pressure.
Some studies indicate that certain high blood pressure medications might worsen the condition, and sometimes waiting can be the best approach to treatment.
The research, led by Lisa Delano-Wood and her team, highlights the potential memory risks associated with anticholinergic drugs, especially for older adults and those at risk for Alzheimer’s disease.
The findings were published in the journal Neurology, stressing the need for cautious use of these medications to avoid long-term memory issues.
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