When you take medicine for problems like allergies or high blood pressure, you usually expect to feel better. But a new study from the University of California, San Diego, has raised concerns about a group of drugs that might hurt your memory instead.
These drugs are called anticholinergic drugs and are used for many common health problems, such as high blood pressure, bladder issues, Parkinson’s disease, and allergies.
There are about 100 types of anticholinergic drugs. Some of them are sold over the counter, while others need a prescription. Common examples include Metoprolol, Atenolol, Loratadine, and Bupropion.
In this study, researchers followed 688 people who were around 74 years old and did not show any signs of memory problems at the beginning. These people had been taking anticholinergic drugs at least once a week for more than six months.
They were monitored for up to ten years, with yearly check-ups to see how their memory and thinking abilities changed. About one-third of them were taking these drugs, with an average of five different types.
The results were surprising and worrying. People who took at least one anticholinergic drug were 47% more likely to develop memory problems than those who didn’t take any. Memory problems like these can be an early sign of Alzheimer’s disease.
The risks were even higher for people who were already showing early signs of Alzheimer’s. If they took these drugs, their risk of developing more serious memory problems was four times higher. People with a family history or genetic risk of Alzheimer’s were also affected more—they had a 2.5 times greater risk of memory issues if they used anticholinergic drugs.
This research suggests that doctors and patients need to be careful with these medications, especially for people at higher risk of Alzheimer’s or those who want to protect their brain health as they age.
It also raises important questions about how we manage conditions like high blood pressure. While medication is often helpful, it may also come with risks. In some cases, natural ways to manage health—like eating a healthy diet or trying foods like beetroot—might be a good option to try first.
The study was led by Lisa Delano-Wood and was published in the journal Neurology. It offers a strong reminder that treating one problem shouldn’t cause another. People should always talk to their doctors about the possible side effects of any drug they take and discuss whether there are safer options.
This research is especially valuable for anyone who wants to keep their mind sharp and protect their memory as they grow older.
If you care about brain health, please read studies about vitamin D deficiency linked to Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia, and blood pressure problem at night may increase Alzheimer’s risk.
For more information about brain health, please see recent studies about antioxidants that could help reduce dementia risk, and epilepsy drug may help treat Alzheimer’s disease.
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