Medicines we take for everyday health problems often come with side effects. A recent study from the University of California, San Diego, revealed a concerning side effect linked to a widely used group of drugs called anticholinergic drugs. These medications, taken for various conditions, may increase the risk of memory problems.
What Are Anticholinergic Drugs?
Anticholinergic drugs are used to treat a range of health issues, including high blood pressure, allergies, colds, Parkinson’s disease, and bladder problems. There are over 100 types of these drugs, some of which require a prescription, while others are available over the counter. Common examples include Metoprolol, Atenolol, Loratadine, and Bupropion.
What the Study Found
The researchers followed 688 adults with an average age of 74. At the beginning of the study, none of the participants had memory or thinking problems. The study focused on people who had been taking at least one anticholinergic drug regularly—defined as at least once a week for more than six months.
Participants underwent annual memory and cognitive tests over a period of up to 10 years. Around one-third of them were taking anticholinergic drugs, with an average of five such medications per person.
The findings were alarming. People who took at least one anticholinergic drug had a 47% higher risk of developing memory problems compared to those who didn’t use these drugs. Memory issues are often an early sign of more serious conditions like dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
Higher Risk for Those Vulnerable to Alzheimer’s
The study also uncovered a stronger connection between anticholinergic drugs and memory problems in people with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s.
- Participants with biological signs of Alzheimer’s disease who took these drugs were four times more likely to develop memory problems.
- Those with genetic risk factors for Alzheimer’s had 2.5 times the risk if they used these drugs.
Why This Matters
These findings suggest that reducing the use of anticholinergic drugs, especially in older adults, could lower the risk of memory problems and dementia. This is particularly important for people who already have a higher risk of Alzheimer’s due to genetic factors or early signs of the disease.
What You Can Do
If you take anticholinergic drugs, it’s a good idea to discuss this with your doctor. They may suggest alternative medications or strategies to manage your health conditions. It’s also important to monitor memory and thinking skills over time, especially if you are older or have a family history of Alzheimer’s.
Additional Insights
This study highlights the need for more awareness about how common drugs can affect brain health. Along with these findings, other research shows how high blood pressure and related medications might also impact cognitive function.
Lifestyle changes, such as eating a heart-healthy diet rich in foods like beetroot, can help manage blood pressure and protect brain health.
The research, led by Lisa Delano-Wood, was published in the journal Neurology. It underscores the importance of carefully considering the long-term effects of medications and exploring safer alternatives when possible.
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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