A recent study from the University of California, San Diego has found that certain widely used medications may increase the risk of memory and thinking problems, especially in older adults. These medications are called anticholinergic drugs and are used to treat many common health issues, such as high blood pressure, allergies, depression, motion sickness, and colds.
Anticholinergic drugs work by blocking a chemical in the body called acetylcholine. This chemical is important for several body functions like muscle movement, heart rate, and especially memory and learning. While these drugs can be helpful for relieving symptoms of various conditions, this study suggests that they may also harm brain health in the long run.
The study followed 688 adults with an average age of 74 for up to 10 years. At the beginning of the study, none of the participants had memory problems. They were asked if they had taken any anticholinergic medications at least once a week for more than six months. Then, every year, their memory and thinking skills were tested.
The results were concerning. About one in three participants had been using these types of medications. On average, they were taking nearly five different anticholinergic drugs. Common ones included metoprolol and atenolol (for high blood pressure), loratadine (an allergy medicine), and bupropion (an antidepressant).
The researchers found that people who took at least one anticholinergic drug had a 47% higher chance of developing mild cognitive impairment (MCI) over the next 10 years. MCI is a condition where a person’s memory or thinking skills decline more than expected for their age. It is often seen as an early warning sign of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease.
The risks were even greater for certain people. For those who already had signs of Alzheimer’s in their spinal fluid, taking these drugs made them four times more likely to develop memory problems. People with a genetic risk for Alzheimer’s were also 2.5 times more likely to experience cognitive decline if they were taking anticholinergic medications.
This means that anticholinergic drugs could make memory and thinking problems worse for people who are already at higher risk due to their genes or other biological factors.
These findings are especially important because many anticholinergic drugs are easy to get and are often used without thinking about how they might affect the brain. Doctors and patients may focus on treating things like blood pressure or allergies without realizing that the medicine could affect memory later on.
The study’s authors suggest that older adults and people at risk for Alzheimer’s should try to avoid these drugs when possible. Safer alternatives may be available that don’t interfere with acetylcholine. For example, other types of medications or different treatments might help manage health problems without increasing the risk of cognitive decline.
This research adds to other studies showing that some medications may have hidden risks for brain health. It’s a reminder that what we take for one problem can sometimes create another. That’s why it’s important to speak with a doctor about the medications you’re taking—especially if you’re older or have a family history of memory loss.
This important study was led by Dr. Lisa Delano-Wood and published in the journal Neurology. It shows the need for more research and greater awareness about how certain medications might affect memory and brain function over time. Until more is known, being careful with drug choices and talking to a healthcare provider can help protect your brain health.
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