Many people take medicine for everyday health issues like colds, allergies, and high blood pressure. These drugs help us feel better and manage health conditions, but new research suggests that some of them might have an unexpected side effect—they could harm memory.
Scientists at the University of California, San Diego, recently studied how certain medications affect brain function, particularly memory. They focused on a group of drugs called anticholinergic drugs.
These medicines are commonly used to treat a variety of conditions, including high blood pressure, colds, and allergies. Some of them are available over the counter, while others require a doctor’s prescription.
A Study on Older Adults
To understand the effects of these drugs, researchers studied 688 older adults with an average age of 74 years. At the start of the study, none of these participants had memory problems.
The researchers asked the participants about their medication use, specifically whether they took anticholinergic drugs and how often they used them. Then, they tested their memory and thinking skills every year for up to 10 years to track any changes.
What Did the Study Find?
The results were concerning. People who took anticholinergic drugs had a higher risk of memory problems compared to those who didn’t take them. Their chances of experiencing memory decline were almost 50% higher than those who didn’t use these medications.
But the effects were even stronger for certain groups of people.
- Higher Risk for Those With Early Signs of Alzheimer’s
Some people have biological signs in their bodies that suggest they might develop Alzheimer’s disease in the future. The study found that when these individuals took anticholinergic drugs, their risk of memory decline quadrupled. - Higher Risk for People With a Family History of Alzheimer’s
Certain genes make some people more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. The study found that if these individuals took anticholinergic drugs, their risk of memory issues more than doubled.
Why Does This Matter?
Memory is an essential part of daily life. It helps us remember names, recognize familiar faces, and navigate our surroundings. For older adults, memory loss can be dangerous—forgetting to turn off the stove or getting lost can put their safety at risk.
As people age, some memory decline is normal. However, if a common medicine speeds up this process, it becomes a serious concern. This study suggests that certain medications may increase the risk of memory problems, especially for people who are already at higher risk for Alzheimer’s disease.
What Should You Do?
If you or someone you know takes these types of medicines, there’s no need to panic. But it’s a good idea to talk to a doctor. They can help determine whether the medicine is necessary or if there are safer alternatives available.
This study highlights the importance of understanding the long-term effects of the medications we take. While these drugs help manage certain health conditions, it’s crucial to weigh their benefits against potential risks, especially for older adults.
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.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
