A new study from the University of California, San Diego, has found that some widely used medications might increase the risk of memory and thinking problems.
These drugs, called anticholinergic medications, are commonly prescribed to treat many everyday conditions like high blood pressure, depression, allergies, and colds.
The researchers studied 688 people with an average age of 74. None of the participants had any memory problems at the start of the study.
Over the course of up to 10 years, participants shared information about the medications they were taking. About one-third of them reported using anticholinergic drugs, and many were taking nearly five of these medications at the same time.
The results were concerning. People who took one or more anticholinergic drugs were 47% more likely to develop mild cognitive impairment—a condition where memory and thinking begin to decline—compared to those who didn’t take these drugs.
The risk was even higher for people who had biological signs of Alzheimer’s disease in their bodies, such as specific proteins found in their spinal fluid. For these individuals, using anticholinergic medications meant they were four times more likely to develop memory and thinking issues.
The study also looked at people with a genetic risk for Alzheimer’s. These individuals already have a higher chance of developing the disease due to their genes. When they also used anticholinergic drugs, their risk of cognitive decline was about 2.5 times higher than those without the genetic risk and who didn’t take these drugs.
This research sends a strong message: for people who may be at higher risk of Alzheimer’s—due to their genes or early biological signs—taking anticholinergic drugs might speed up memory loss. Doctors and patients should consider these risks when choosing medications, especially for older adults.
While these drugs can be helpful for managing certain health problems, their long-term use may have serious effects on the brain. Reducing or avoiding these medications before memory problems begin could help protect brain health.
The study encourages doctors to be more cautious with prescribing anticholinergic drugs and to look for safer alternatives whenever possible. It also highlights the importance of personalized care, especially for people with Alzheimer’s risk factors.
This important research adds to growing evidence that some common medications might have hidden risks for brain health. It opens the door for future studies and may lead to changes in how certain drugs are prescribed, helping to prevent memory loss in older adults.
If you care about Alzheimer’s disease, please read studies about These places in U.S. have the most cases of Alzheimer’s disease and findings of Scientists confirm the link between COVID-19 and Alzheimer’s disease.
For more about Alzheimer’s disease, please read studies about New Alzheimer’s treatment: anti-inflammatory drug may prevent memory loss and findings of The diabetes drug surprise: a possible shield against Alzheimer’s?
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