Many of us take medicine for everyday problems like colds, allergies, or high blood pressure. But did you know that some of these medications might affect your memory?
A recent study from the University of California, San Diego suggests that certain drugs, called anticholinergic drugs, could make it harder to remember things.
What Are Anticholinergic Drugs?
These medicines are used to treat a variety of conditions, including:
- High blood pressure
- Allergies
- Cold symptoms
Some of these drugs are available over the counter, while others require a doctor’s prescription.
The Study: What Did Scientists Discover?
Researchers studied 688 older adults, with an average age of 74. None of them had memory problems at the beginning of the study.
The scientists asked them about the medicines they used, especially those that fall into the anticholinergic category. They also tested their memory every year for up to 10 years to track any changes.
What Did They Find?
The results were surprising. People who took these medicines had more memory problems than those who didn’t. Their risk of developing memory issues was almost 50% higher than those who didn’t take the drugs.
But the risks were even greater for certain groups:
- People with early signs of Alzheimer’s – Their risk was four times higher if they took these medicines.
- People with a family history of memory problems – Their chances of memory loss were more than twice as high compared to those who didn’t take the medications.
Why Is This Important?
Memory is an important part of our daily lives. We rely on it to recognize faces, remember names, and find our way home. If a medication we take for something as simple as a cold or allergies is affecting memory, it’s something to be aware of.
For older adults, memory naturally weakens with age. However, if certain medications make it worse, it could lead to serious risks—such as forgetting to turn off the stove or getting lost.
Should You Stop Taking These Medicines?
If you or someone you know takes anticholinergic drugs, don’t panic. But it might be a good idea to talk to a doctor or pharmacist. They can help determine if the medication is necessary or if there are safer alternatives.
Staying informed about the effects of medication can help you make the best choices for your health and well-being.
If you care about brain health, please read studies about vitamin D deficiency linked to Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia, and extra-virgin olive oil could boost brain function.
For more information about brain health, please see recent studies about antioxidants that could help reduce dementia risk, and strawberries could help prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
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