When you take medicine for everyday health issues like allergies or high blood pressure, you expect it to improve your well-being.
However, a study from the University of California, San Diego, has revealed a concerning side effect: some medications might actually impair your memory.
The research focuses on a group of drugs known as anticholinergic drugs, which are commonly used to treat a variety of conditions. These include everything from high blood pressure and allergies to Parkinson’s disease and bladder problems.
There are about 100 different types of anticholinergic drugs, available both over-the-counter and by prescription.
In this study, 688 participants, all around the age of 74, were observed. At the start of the study, none of the participants showed any signs of cognitive decline.
However, these individuals had been regularly taking anticholinergic drugs—defined as using them at least once a week for more than six months.
Over a period of up to ten years, with annual cognitive check-ups, researchers tracked the participants’ memory and thinking abilities. About one-third of the participants were taking these drugs, with many using an average of five different kinds.
Common medications in the study included Metoprolol (for high blood pressure), Atenolol (also for high blood pressure), Loratadine (an allergy medication), and Bupropion (an antidepressant).
The findings are concerning: those who took at least one anticholinergic drug had a 47% higher risk of developing memory problems compared to those who did not take these medications. Memory issues are often the first signs of more severe conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease.
The risks were even greater for participants who were already showing early signs of Alzheimer’s. For them, taking anticholinergic drugs made them four times more likely to develop memory problems.
Additionally, individuals who were genetically predisposed to Alzheimer’s faced a 2.5 times higher risk of memory issues if they used these medications.
These results suggest that people, particularly those at higher risk for Alzheimer’s disease or who are concerned about their cognitive health, should be cautious when using anticholinergic drugs.
This is especially important given that these drugs are often prescribed for long-term use for managing chronic conditions.
The study also points to the broader implications of managing conditions like high blood pressure. It highlights the importance of carefully monitoring any health changes that could signal underlying issues, especially when starting new medications.
In some cases, exploring natural remedies, like dietary changes (such as incorporating beetroot for its potential blood pressure-lowering effects), might be a safer approach before turning to medication.
This ongoing research, led by Lisa Delano-Wood, underscores the delicate balance required in treating one health issue without unintentionally worsening another.
It reminds us that while medications can be crucial for managing various conditions, they can also come with risks that need to be carefully considered.
The findings of this study were published in the journal Neurology, offering valuable insights for anyone interested in preserving brain health.
As our understanding of the side effects of common medications grows, it’s increasingly important to weigh the benefits against potential risks, particularly for those concerned about cognitive decline and memory health.
If you care about brain health, please read studies about how the Mediterranean diet could protect your brain health, and Omega-3 fats and carotenoid supplements could improve memory.
For more information about brain health, please see recent studies about antioxidants that could help reduce dementia risk, and higher magnesium intake could help benefit brain health.
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