A recent study from the University of California, San Diego, has found a possible link between a group of commonly used medications and memory problems. These medications are called anticholinergic drugs, and they are used to treat many everyday conditions, such as high blood pressure, allergies, depression, colds, and motion sickness.
Anticholinergic drugs work by blocking a chemical in the brain called acetylcholine. This chemical is important for memory, learning, muscle movement, and heart function. While these drugs can help treat some health issues, the new study suggests they may also carry serious risks for brain health, especially in older adults and those at risk for Alzheimer’s disease.
In the study, 688 people with an average age of 74 were followed for up to 10 years. At the beginning, none of them showed signs of memory loss. Researchers asked them whether they had taken anticholinergic drugs at least once a week for more than six months. They were then tested every year to check their memory and thinking skills.
About one-third of the participants were using these drugs, often taking several different kinds. Common medications included metoprolol and atenolol for high blood pressure, loratadine for allergies, and bupropion for depression.
The study found that people taking at least one anticholinergic drug had a 47% higher chance of developing mild cognitive impairment (MCI) compared to those not using these drugs. MCI is often an early warning sign of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease.
The risks were even higher in certain groups. For example, people who already had signs of Alzheimer’s in their brain fluid were four times more likely to develop memory problems if they were also taking anticholinergic drugs. Those with a family history or genes linked to Alzheimer’s had 2.5 times the risk.
This means that these medications could speed up memory decline, especially in people already at risk for brain diseases. Since many of these drugs are easy to get and widely used, this is a major concern.
The researchers suggest that older adults and those at risk of Alzheimer’s might want to avoid these drugs if possible. Doctors could look for other treatment options that don’t affect the brain in the same way.
This study also reminds us that medicine meant to help with one problem can sometimes cause another. For example, medications for high blood pressure need to be chosen carefully, as some may affect brain function.
Patients and doctors should talk about the risks and benefits of anticholinergic drugs. If you or someone you care about is taking them, it’s a good idea to ask a healthcare provider whether they are still the best option—especially if there are concerns about memory or thinking skills.
More research is needed to fully understand how these drugs affect the brain, but for now, being careful with medication choices may help protect brain health.
The study was led by Lisa Delano-Wood and published in the journal Neurology.
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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