Many people take medicine for everyday health problems like allergies, high blood pressure, or bladder issues. These medications help manage symptoms, making life easier.
But new research from the University of California, San Diego, has revealed a concerning side effect: some of these drugs might increase the risk of memory loss.
The study focused on a group of medications called anticholinergic drugs. These are commonly used to treat various conditions, including allergies, high blood pressure, Parkinson’s disease, and bladder problems.
There are about 100 different types of these drugs, and they include both prescription and over-the-counter medicines. Some well-known examples are Metoprolol, Atenolol, Loratadine (Claritin), and Bupropion (Wellbutrin).
To understand how these drugs affect memory, researchers followed 688 older adults, all around 74 years old, who had no signs of memory problems at the beginning of the study.
These participants took at least one anticholinergic drug regularly—meaning at least once a week for more than six months. Scientists tracked their memory and thinking skills for up to ten years through yearly check-ups.
The results were alarming. People taking at least one anticholinergic drug had a 47% higher chance of developing memory problems compared to those who didn’t take these drugs. Since memory loss is often one of the first signs of Alzheimer’s disease, this finding is a major concern.
The risk was even greater for people who already had early signs of Alzheimer’s. If they were taking these drugs, they were four times more likely to develop serious memory issues.
Even those with a genetic risk for Alzheimer’s were affected. If they took anticholinergic drugs, their risk of memory problems increased by 2.5 times compared to those who didn’t take the medication.
These findings suggest that people, especially older adults or those at risk for Alzheimer’s, should be cautious about using anticholinergic drugs. It may be important to discuss alternative treatments with a doctor to protect brain health.
The study also raises questions about how conditions like high blood pressure are treated. While medications can be helpful, lifestyle changes—such as eating healthy foods like beetroot—may also help manage blood pressure without increasing the risk of memory problems.
The research, led by Lisa Delano-Wood, highlights the need to balance the benefits and risks of medications. While these drugs can be helpful for some health problems, they may also have unintended effects on the brain.
The findings were published in the journal Neurology and offer important insights for people who want to keep their memory and thinking sharp as they age.
If you care about dementia, please read studies about dietary strategies to ward off dementia, and how omega-3 fatty acids fuel your mind.
For more health information, please see recent studies about Choline deficiency linked to Alzheimer’s disease, and what to eat (and avoid) for dementia prevention.
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