A new study from the University of East Anglia has found that long-term use of certain antidepressants may increase the risk of dementia, even if taken up to 20 years before a diagnosis. The study also found a similar risk for some bladder medications and drugs used for Parkinson’s disease.
The medications in question belong to a class called anticholinergic drugs, which work by blocking acetylcholine, a key neurotransmitter in the body. These drugs are used to treat depression, bladder problems, and Parkinson’s disease.
However, not all anticholinergic drugs were linked to dementia—antihistamines and drugs for stomach cramps did not show the same risk.
Large-Scale Study on Dementia Risk
Researchers analyzed medical records of 40,770 dementia patients over the age of 65 and compared them to 283,933 people without dementia. They looked at whether different types of anticholinergic drugs were linked to a higher risk of dementia.
The results showed that:
- People who took anticholinergic antidepressants for long periods had a higher chance of developing dementia.
- Drugs used for bladder problems and Parkinson’s disease were also associated with a higher dementia risk.
- Not all anticholinergic drugs had this effect—antihistamines and medications for stomach cramps were not linked to dementia.
Implications for Patients and Doctors
With over 50 million people worldwide affected by dementia, and numbers expected to rise to 132 million by 2050, finding ways to prevent the disease is a global priority.
The researchers advise that doctors should carefully consider the long-term effects of anticholinergic drugs when prescribing them. However, patients should not stop taking their medication without consulting a doctor or pharmacist.
This is the largest and most detailed study of its kind on how long-term anticholinergic drug use affects dementia risk. It highlights the need for careful medication management in older adults to reduce potential risks to brain health.
The study was published in The BMJ.
If you care about brain health, please read studies about Vitamin B9 deficiency linked to higher dementia risk, and cranberries could help boost memory.
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