Many people rely on medications every day to manage common health problems such as high blood pressure, allergies, depression, and colds.
While these medicines can be helpful, new research suggests that some of them may have unexpected effects on brain health, especially in older adults.
A study from the University of California, San Diego, has found a link between a group of medications called anticholinergic drugs and a higher risk of memory decline. These drugs are widely used and are often available both with and without a prescription, which makes the findings especially important for the general public.
Anticholinergic drugs work by blocking a chemical in the body called acetylcholine. This chemical plays a key role in many important functions. It helps control muscle movements, supports heart function, and is especially important for memory and learning.
When this chemical is blocked, it can help relieve certain symptoms, such as allergies or overactive bladder. However, it may also affect how well the brain works over time.
To understand the long-term effects of these drugs, researchers followed 688 adults with an average age of 74. At the start of the study, none of the participants had noticeable problems with memory or thinking. The researchers then tracked their health and cognitive function for up to 10 years.
Participants were asked whether they had taken any anticholinergic medications regularly. Specifically, they reported if they had used these drugs at least once a week for more than six months within the past three months. Over time, the researchers conducted yearly tests to measure changes in memory and thinking ability.
The results showed a clear pattern. About one-third of the participants were using anticholinergic drugs. On average, these individuals were taking nearly five different types of these medications. Common examples included drugs used for blood pressure, allergies, and depression.
The study found that people who took at least one anticholinergic drug had a 47 percent higher risk of developing mild cognitive impairment over the next decade.
Mild cognitive impairment is a condition where a person has noticeable problems with memory or thinking, but can still manage daily activities. It is often seen as an early stage before dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease.
The risk was even greater for people who were already vulnerable. Some participants had biological signs linked to Alzheimer’s disease, such as changes in their spinal fluid. Among these individuals, those who took anticholinergic drugs were about four times more likely to develop cognitive problems.
In addition, people who had a genetic risk for Alzheimer’s disease were also more affected. If they took these medications, they were about two and a half times more likely to experience memory decline compared to those without such risk factors.
These findings suggest that anticholinergic drugs may speed up cognitive decline in people who are already at risk. This is a serious concern because these medications are so commonly used, and many people may not be aware of their potential long-term effects on the brain.
The researchers believe that reducing the use of these drugs, especially in older adults, could help lower the risk. In some cases, alternative treatments may be available that do not affect acetylcholine in the same way. Doctors may be able to suggest different medications or other approaches depending on the condition being treated.
This study also highlights a broader issue in healthcare. Medicines that help with one problem may sometimes create new risks in another area. This means it is important to regularly review medications, especially for older adults who may be taking several drugs at the same time.
Patients should not stop taking any medication without medical advice. Instead, they should talk to their doctor or pharmacist if they have concerns. A healthcare professional can help weigh the benefits and risks and decide what is best for each individual.
The study was led by Lisa Delano-Wood and her team and was published in the journal Neurology. It adds to growing evidence that careful use of medications is important for protecting long-term brain health.
As research continues, studies like this can help people make more informed decisions and encourage safer treatment choices, especially as they age.
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