A new study from the University of California, San Diego, has uncovered a potential link between certain commonly used medications and memory issues.
These medications belong to a group known as anticholinergic drugs, which are used to treat a wide variety of health conditions.
Anticholinergic drugs are prescribed for many different purposes, including managing high blood pressure, allergies, colds, Parkinson’s disease, and bladder problems.
There are around 100 types of these drugs, and while some require a doctor’s prescription, others can be bought over the counter without a prescription.
The study tracked 688 people with an average age of 74 over a period of up to 10 years. None of the participants had memory or thinking problems at the start of the study.
The researchers asked the participants to report if they had used any anticholinergic drugs at least once a week for more than six months. Throughout the study, the participants took annual tests to assess their memory and thinking abilities.
Approximately one-third of the participants regularly took anticholinergic medications, with the average person taking about five different drugs. Some of the most commonly used medications were Metoprolol, Atenolol, Loratadine, and Bupropion.
The study’s findings were concerning. People who took at least one anticholinergic drug were 47% more likely to develop memory problems compared to those who did not use these medications.
In many cases, these memory issues were early indicators of more serious memory diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease.
The risk was even greater for people who had markers of Alzheimer’s disease in their body or who had a genetic predisposition to the condition. Individuals with Alzheimer’s markers were four times more likely to develop memory issues if they took anticholinergic drugs.
Similarly, those with genetic risk factors for Alzheimer’s were 2.5 times more likely to experience memory problems if they used these medications.
This discovery is significant because it suggests that cutting back on the use of anticholinergic drugs, especially for people at higher risk for Alzheimer’s disease, could help prevent future memory problems.
By reducing the use of these medications before memory issues begin, individuals may be able to lower their chances of developing serious memory-related conditions later on.
For individuals with high blood pressure, who often take these medications, staying informed about new research is especially important.
Changes in blood pressure can be a sign of emerging heart problems, and making healthy dietary choices—like adding beetroot to your diet—can help manage blood pressure.
There is also some evidence that certain high blood pressure medications may contribute to worsening the condition, so discussing medication choices with a doctor is crucial.
The research, led by Lisa Delano-Wood and her team, highlights the importance of being cautious with anticholinergic medications, especially for older adults and people at risk for Alzheimer’s.
The study’s findings were published in the journal Neurology and underscore the need for careful use of these drugs to avoid potential long-term memory issues.
This study serves as a reminder to consult healthcare providers about the medications you take, especially if you or someone you know is at risk for memory problems or Alzheimer’s disease.
With proper medical guidance, it may be possible to reduce the use of these medications and potentially lower the risk of memory-related conditions.
If you care about dementia, please read studies about Vitamin B9 deficiency linked to higher dementia risk, and flavonoid-rich foods could help prevent dementia.
For more information about brain health, please see recent studies that cranberries could help boost memory, and how alcohol, coffee and tea intake influence cognitive decline.
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