As people get older, many start to notice small changes in memory or thinking.
While some forgetfulness is normal with age, more serious problems—like confusion, difficulty making decisions, or forgetting familiar places—could signal something more serious, such as dementia.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, but memory problems can also come from other sources like depression, infections, or side effects from medications.
In some cases, these memory problems can be treated, and thinking can improve. But when the issue is caused by a disease like Alzheimer’s, the decline usually continues and cannot be reversed.
Now, new research from the University of California San Diego shows that a group of commonly used drugs may raise the risk of memory loss and early signs of dementia.
These drugs are called anticholinergic drugs. They are used to treat many common health problems, including high blood pressure, motion sickness, depression, allergies, bladder problems, and even Parkinson’s disease.
These medications work by blocking a chemical in the brain called acetylcholine. This chemical helps with memory, learning, and attention. By blocking it, the drugs can help certain physical conditions but may also affect brain function.
In the study, scientists followed 688 older adults, with an average age of 74. All the participants had normal memory and thinking at the start of the research.
They were asked if they had taken any anticholinergic drugs in the past three months and whether they had used them at least once a week for more than six months. Each person had their memory and thinking tested once a year for up to 10 years.
The results were surprising. About one in three people in the study were taking anticholinergic drugs. On average, each person was taking nearly five different kinds. Some of the most common medications included blood pressure drugs like metoprolol and atenolol, the allergy medicine loratadine, and the antidepressant bupropion.
People who were taking at least one anticholinergic drug were 47% more likely to develop mild cognitive impairment (MCI) than those who were not. MCI is often a warning sign of more serious memory problems like dementia.
The risk was even higher in people who had signs of Alzheimer’s disease in their spinal fluid—they were four times more likely to develop MCI. People with genes that increase the risk of Alzheimer’s were also about 2.5 times more likely to show signs of memory loss if they were taking these medications.
These results suggest that anticholinergic drugs may be a hidden factor in the rise of memory problems among older adults. The researchers believe that cutting back on these medications could help prevent or slow down cognitive decline, especially in people who are already at risk for Alzheimer’s disease.
If you’re taking any of these drugs and are worried about your memory, talk to your doctor. Do not stop any medication on your own, but ask if there are safer options. Protecting your brain is just as important as treating other health conditions.
Other ways to keep your brain healthy include regular exercise, eating foods rich in antioxidants, and staying mentally active. Some fruits, like berries, may also help slow brain aging. These steps can be especially important as you get older.
The study was led by Lisa Delano-Wood and published in the journal Neurology. It reminds us that while medications can be helpful, they can also have unexpected side effects. Being informed and speaking with your doctor can help you make the best choices for your long-term brain health.
If you care 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?
If you care about brain health, please read studies about Scientists find connection between fungus and Alzheimer’s disease and findings of Scientists find links between COVID-19 and Alzheimer’s disease.
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