A new study from researchers at the University of California, San Diego has raised concerns about a group of widely used medications that may affect brain health over time.
These drugs, known as anticholinergic medications, are commonly used to treat a range of everyday conditions, including high blood pressure, allergies, colds, depression, bladder problems, and Parkinson’s disease.
While they can be helpful in managing these health issues, the study suggests they may also increase the risk of memory and thinking problems, especially in older adults.
Anticholinergic drugs work by blocking a chemical in the brain called acetylcholine. This chemical plays a key role in learning and memory. When its activity is reduced, it can affect how well the brain processes and stores information.
There are around 100 different medications in this group, and many are available both with and without a prescription, which means people may be using them without fully understanding their long-term effects.
Some common examples include metoprolol and atenolol, which are used to treat high blood pressure, loratadine for allergies, and bupropion for depression. Because these medications are so widely used, understanding their possible side effects is very important.
The study followed 688 older adults, with an average age of 74. At the beginning of the study, none of the participants had problems with memory or thinking. Over a period of up to 10 years, they took part in yearly tests that measured their cognitive abilities, such as memory, attention, and problem-solving skills.
At the start of the research, participants were asked whether they had been taking any anticholinergic drugs regularly. This meant taking the medication at least once a week for six months or longer within the three months before the study began.
About one-third of the participants reported using these drugs, and on average, they were taking nearly five different anticholinergic medications.
The results showed a clear pattern. People who were taking these medications were 47% more likely to develop mild cognitive impairment compared to those who were not using them. Mild cognitive impairment is a condition where people begin to notice changes in memory and thinking, and it is often an early stage that can lead to dementia.
The risk was even higher in people who already had certain biological or genetic risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease.
For example, participants who had specific markers linked to Alzheimer’s disease in their spinal fluid and were also taking anticholinergic drugs were four times more likely to develop mild cognitive impairment than those who had neither the markers nor the medication use.
Similarly, people who carried genes associated with a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease and took these medications were about two and a half times more likely to develop thinking problems compared to those without these genetic risks who did not take the drugs.
These findings are important because they suggest that the effects of these medications may be stronger in people who are already vulnerable to brain diseases. For older adults, especially those with a family history of Alzheimer’s disease or other risk factors, this could be an important warning sign.
The study, led by Lisa Delano-Wood and published in the journal Neurology, adds to growing evidence that some commonly used medications can have unexpected effects on brain health over time. It does not mean that people should stop taking their medications suddenly. These drugs can still be very important for treating certain conditions.
However, the findings suggest that it may be helpful for patients and doctors to review medications regularly and consider whether safer alternatives are available. Reducing the number or dose of anticholinergic drugs, when possible, could help lower the risk of future cognitive problems.
This research highlights the importance of looking at the long-term effects of medications, not just their immediate benefits. It also reminds us that protecting brain health is a key part of overall well-being, especially as people age.
If you or someone in your family is taking these types of medications, it may be a good idea to talk with a healthcare provider. They can help review current treatments and decide whether any changes are needed to support both physical and brain health.
If you care about brain health ,please read studies about Vitamin B9 deficiency linked to higher dementia risk, and cranberries could help boost memory.
For more health information, please see recent studies about heartburn drugs that could increase risk of dementia, and results showing this MIND diet may protect your cognitive function, prevent dementia.
Copyright © 2026 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
