Many people take medications to manage common health conditions, but some drugs may have unexpected side effects. A recent study from the University of California, San Diego has found that certain medications, often used for everyday health problems, may increase the risk of memory loss.
The Drugs That May Affect Memory
The study focused on anticholinergic drugs, a group of medications used to treat various conditions. These drugs are commonly prescribed for:
- High blood pressure
- Allergies and colds
- Bladder problems
- Parkinson’s disease
There are about 100 different types of anticholinergic drugs. Some require a doctor’s prescription, while others can be purchased over the counter. Many people take them without realizing their potential risks.
How the Study Was Conducted
The researchers followed 688 adults, with an average age of 74, for up to 10 years. At the start of the study, none of them had memory or thinking problems.
The participants reported whether they were taking anticholinergic drugs regularly—at least once a week for more than six months. Every year, they took tests to measure their memory and thinking skills.
About one-third of the participants were using these drugs, taking around five different kinds on average. Some of the most commonly used medications were:
- Metoprolol (for blood pressure)
- Atenolol (for blood pressure)
- Loratadine (for allergies)
- Bupropion (for depression and smoking cessation)
What the Study Found
The results were concerning. People who took at least one anticholinergic drug were 47% more likely to develop memory problems compared to those who did not take these drugs.
Memory loss can sometimes be an early warning sign of serious conditions like dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. The study also found that some people had even higher risks:
- People with early signs of Alzheimer’s disease in their bodies were four times more likely to have memory issues if they took these drugs.
- People with a genetic risk for Alzheimer’s were 2.5 times more likely to develop memory problems if they used these medications.
Why This Matters
This study highlights an important issue: common medications might contribute to memory loss, especially in older adults. People at higher risk for Alzheimer’s may need to be extra cautious.
If doctors and patients are aware of these risks, they might be able to choose alternative treatments that do not increase the chance of memory problems. Reducing the use of anticholinergic drugs, when possible, could help protect brain health.
What Can You Do?
If you are taking any long-term medications, it may be helpful to:
- Talk to your doctor about whether you are using any anticholinergic drugs.
- Ask if there are alternative medications that do not carry the same risk.
- Stay informed about ways to maintain brain health, such as eating a balanced diet, staying physically active, and managing blood pressure.
More Research on High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is another major health concern. Studies suggest that fluctuations in blood pressure could signal heart problems. Some blood pressure medications may actually worsen the condition, while certain foods, like beetroot, might help control it naturally.
The study was led by Lisa Delano-Wood and was published in the journal Neurology.
If you care about brain health, please read studies about how the Mediterranean diet could protect your brain health, and Omega-3 fats and carotenoid supplements could improve memory.
For more information about brain health, please see recent studies about antioxidants that could help reduce dementia risk, and higher magnesium intake could help benefit brain health.
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