When you take medicine for health problems like high blood pressure or allergies, you usually expect it to help you feel better. But a recent study from the University of California, San Diego, has found a surprising and concerning side effect: some of these medications might harm your memory over time.
The study focused on a group of drugs called anticholinergic drugs. These medicines are used to treat a wide range of common health issues, including allergies, high blood pressure, bladder problems, depression, and even Parkinson’s disease. There are about 100 types of these drugs, and many of them are easy to get—some even without a prescription.
Researchers studied 688 older adults, with an average age of 74, who had no signs of memory problems when the study began. These participants were followed for up to 10 years and had their memory and thinking tested once a year.
Around one-third of them were regularly taking anticholinergic drugs—meaning they took at least one such drug once a week for more than six months. On average, they were taking five different medications from this drug group.
Some of the common drugs included in the study were Metoprolol and Atenolol (used for high blood pressure), Loratadine (an allergy medicine), and Bupropion (used for depression and to help people quit smoking).
The results were striking. People who took at least one anticholinergic drug had a 47% higher chance of developing memory problems compared to those who didn’t take these medications. Memory decline is often an early warning sign of more serious brain conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.
The risks were even higher for people who already showed early signs of Alzheimer’s. If they were also taking anticholinergic drugs, they were four times more likely to develop memory issues. Even people with a family history or genetic risk for Alzheimer’s had a 2.5 times greater chance of memory decline if they used these medications.
This study sends an important message, especially to older adults or anyone worried about memory loss: it’s worth talking to your doctor about any medications you’re taking. Some of them may be doing more harm than good when it comes to your brain health.
The researchers suggest that people, especially those at risk of Alzheimer’s, should be cautious about using anticholinergic drugs. If possible, safer alternatives should be considered.
In some cases, making lifestyle changes like improving your diet, staying active, or trying natural remedies—such as beetroot juice for blood pressure—may help manage certain health conditions without the same risks.
The study was led by Dr. Lisa Delano-Wood and was published in the journal Neurology. It adds to growing research that shows how treating one health problem can sometimes create another if we’re not careful. It also highlights how important it is to look at the big picture when it comes to long-term health—especially brain health.
If you or someone you know is taking medications from this group, it may be a good idea to review them with a healthcare provider and explore whether other options might work just as well, without the added risk to memory.
If you care about dementia, please read studies about low choline intake linked to higher dementia risk, and how eating nuts can affect your cognitive ability.
For more information about brain health, please see recent studies that blueberry supplements may prevent cognitive decline, and results showing higher magnesium intake could help benefit brain health.
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