Many of us take medicine for everyday health problems like colds, allergies, or high blood pressure. These drugs are often easy to get and are commonly prescribed by doctors.
But a recent study from the University of California, San Diego has found something surprising: some of these medicines might be linked to memory problems in older adults.
The study focused on a type of medicine called anticholinergic drugs. These drugs are used for many different reasons, such as lowering blood pressure or treating cold and allergy symptoms. Some are over-the-counter, while others need a prescription. But what makes these drugs special is that they can affect the brain, especially memory.
Researchers studied 688 older adults, with an average age of 74, who had no memory problems at the start. They asked these people what medications they were taking—especially any anticholinergic drugs—and how often. Over the next 10 years, the scientists checked in regularly to test their memory.
The results were eye-opening. People who took anticholinergic drugs had more trouble with memory than those who didn’t. In fact, their risk of memory problems was almost 50% higher. But that’s not all.
Some people in the study had early signs of Alzheimer’s disease in their bodies—long before symptoms began. For these individuals, taking anticholinergic drugs increased their risk of memory problems by four times. And for people who carry certain genes that make them more likely to get Alzheimer’s, taking these medications more than doubled their risk.
This is important because memory is a vital part of our daily life. It helps us remember faces, names, and how to get home. If a common medicine interferes with memory, especially in older people, it can lead to serious problems.
As we get older, our memory naturally gets weaker. But if a medication makes it worse, that could lead to dangerous situations—like forgetting to turn off the stove or getting lost.
If you or someone you know takes an anticholinergic medication, don’t panic. But it’s a good idea to talk to a doctor. A healthcare provider can help decide whether to keep using the medicine or switch to a safer option that doesn’t affect memory.
In short, this study reminds us to stay informed about the medications we use—especially as we age. Our memory is precious, and it’s worth protecting every step of the way.
If you care about dementia, please read studies about Early heart rhythm problem linked to higher dementia risk and findings of Green leafy vegetables may help reduce Alzheimer’s risk.
For more about dementia, please read studies about Research shows an important cause of frontotemporal dementia and findings of New way to detect Lewy body disease early, a leading cause of dementia.
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