A recent study from the University of California, San Diego, has uncovered a concerning link between a certain class of medications and cognitive decline.
These medications, known as anticholinergic drugs, are commonly used to treat a wide range of conditions, including high blood pressure, allergies, colds, depression, and even motion sickness.
Anticholinergic drugs work by blocking a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine in the brain and body. Acetylcholine is essential for many functions, including muscle movement, heart rate, and most importantly, memory and learning.
While these drugs can be effective for treating various health issues, the new study suggests they may come with serious risks, particularly for older adults and those already at risk for Alzheimer’s disease.
In this study, 688 participants with an average age of 74 were followed over a period of up to 10 years. At the start, none of them had any noticeable issues with memory or thinking skills.
They were asked to report whether they had taken any anticholinergic drugs within the last three months, at least once a week, for over six months. The researchers then monitored their cognitive abilities through annual tests.
The results were startling. About one-third of the participants had been taking anticholinergic drugs. On average, these individuals were using 4.7 different types of these medications.
Some of the most common ones included metoprolol and atenolol (used for high blood pressure), loratadine (an allergy medication), and bupropion (an antidepressant).
The study found that people who were taking at least one anticholinergic drug had a 47% higher chance of developing mild cognitive impairment (MCI) over the next decade compared to those who were not taking such drugs.
MCI is often considered a precursor to dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease.
The risks were even higher for certain groups. For example, participants who had biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease—specific changes in their cerebrospinal fluid that indicate the disease’s development—were four times more likely to develop MCI if they were also taking anticholinergic drugs.
Similarly, those with a genetic predisposition to Alzheimer’s who took these drugs were 2.5 times more likely to experience cognitive decline compared to those without such risk factors.
These findings suggest that anticholinergic drugs could accelerate cognitive decline, particularly in individuals who are already vulnerable due to their genetic makeup or other biological markers.
This is a significant concern given that these drugs are widely available and often used without much consideration of long-term effects on brain health.
The study’s authors believe that one way to potentially prevent these negative effects is by reducing the use of anticholinergic drugs, especially among older adults and those at higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s.
This could mean looking for alternative treatments for conditions like high blood pressure, allergies, and depression, which might involve non-anticholinergic medications or other therapeutic approaches.
It’s important to note that this study adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that the medications we take to manage one health issue could unintentionally harm another aspect of our well-being.
For instance, previous research has shown that blood pressure medications, which are crucial for managing hypertension, could sometimes contribute to cognitive issues if not chosen carefully.
Given these potential risks, it’s crucial for both patients and healthcare providers to weigh the benefits and risks of anticholinergic drugs.
If you or someone you know is taking these medications, it may be worth discussing with a healthcare professional whether they are the best option, especially if there are concerns about cognitive health.
This study highlights the need for more research to fully understand the long-term impacts of anticholinergic drugs on the brain, particularly in older adults. Until then, staying informed and being proactive about medication choices could help reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
The study was conducted by Lisa Delano-Wood and her team and published in the journal Neurology.
If you care about dementia, please read studies that eating apples and tea could keep dementia at bay, and Olive oil: a daily dose for better brain health.
For more health information, please see recent studies what you eat together may affect your dementia risk, and time-restricted eating: a simple way to fight aging and cancer.
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