We often rely on medications to alleviate common health concerns, but a recent study from the University of California, San Diego, has shed light on an unexpected side effect.
A group of drugs commonly used for various ailments may be associated with memory problems.
These medications fall into a category known as anticholinergic drugs, and they serve a wide range of purposes. They can help lower high blood pressure, relieve allergies and cold symptoms, manage Parkinson’s disease, and address bladder problems.
With approximately 100 different types available, some require a doctor’s prescription, while others can be purchased over the counter.
The Study Details
The study involved 688 participants with an average age of 74, and initially, none of them exhibited memory or cognitive issues.
To be eligible, participants needed to have been using these drugs regularly, meaning they took them at least once a week for over half a year.
Over the course of up to 10 years, these individuals underwent annual tests to evaluate their memory and cognitive skills.
Around one-third of them were using these anticholinergic drugs, with an average of approximately five medications per person. Some of the most common drugs in this category included Metoprolol, Atenolol, Loratadine, and Bupropion.
Findings of the Study
The study’s findings are concerning. Those who were taking at least one of these drugs had a 47% higher chance of developing memory problems compared to those not taking such medications. This memory issue often serves as an early sign of more severe memory-related diseases.
Additionally, the study revealed another noteworthy observation. Individuals who already had signs of Alzheimer’s disease in their bodies and were using these drugs faced an increased risk.
They were four times more likely to experience memory problems. Similarly, those with genetic predispositions to Alzheimer’s had a 2.5 times higher risk when taking these medications.
What This Means for Us
This discovery carries significant implications. Limiting the use of these drugs before memory problems arise could potentially help individuals avoid future cognitive issues, especially those at higher risk for Alzheimer’s disease.
If you have high blood pressure, it’s crucial to stay informed about other research as well. Blood pressure fluctuations may signal the onset of heart problems. Certain foods, such as beetroot, could offer protection against high blood pressure.
Moreover, there is ongoing research into high blood pressure management. Some individuals take medications for high blood pressure that might exacerbate the condition, making a case for patience as a valuable approach to treatment.
The study was conducted by Lisa Delano-Wood and her team and was published in the journal Neurology.
If you care about blood pressure, please read studies about blood pressure drugs that may increase risk of sudden cardiac arrest, and these teas could help reduce high blood pressure.
For more health information, please see recent studies about nutrients that could strongly lower high blood pressure, and results showing this novel antioxidant may help reverse blood vessels aging by 20 years.
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