Memory and thinking abilities can change as people grow older. Some people may notice small lapses, such as forgetting names or misplacing items.
Others may experience more serious problems that affect daily life. These changes are often grouped under the term cognitive decline. In severe cases, this can lead to dementia, a condition that affects memory, reasoning, and independence.
The most well-known form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, but not all memory problems are caused by it. Some issues may be linked to depression, infections, or even side effects from medications. In some cases, these problems can be treated and may improve over time. However, when brain diseases are involved, the decline is often permanent.
A new study from the University of California San Diego has raised concerns about a group of commonly used medications. These drugs, called anticholinergic drugs, are widely prescribed for many different health conditions. They are used to treat problems such as high blood pressure, allergies, motion sickness, bladder issues, and Parkinson’s disease.
Anticholinergic drugs work by blocking a chemical in the brain called acetylcholine. This chemical plays an important role in memory, learning, and other brain functions. While blocking it can help relieve certain symptoms in the body, it may also affect how the brain works.
To better understand this possible effect, researchers studied 688 older adults with an average age of 74. At the beginning of the study, all participants had normal thinking and memory abilities.
The researchers asked them about their use of anticholinergic medications. They focused on people who had taken these drugs regularly, at least once a week for more than six months.
The participants were then followed for up to 10 years. Each year, they completed tests to measure their memory, attention, and thinking skills. This allowed the researchers to track any changes over time.
The results showed a clear pattern. About one-third of the participants were using anticholinergic drugs. On average, each person was taking nearly five different drugs from this group. Some of the most common medications included drugs for blood pressure, allergies, and depression.
Over the course of the study, people who were taking at least one anticholinergic drug had a much higher risk of developing mild cognitive impairment. This condition is often seen as an early stage before dementia. The risk was about 47 percent higher compared to those who were not taking these drugs.
The study also found that certain groups were at even greater risk. People who already had biological signs linked to Alzheimer’s disease were much more likely to develop memory problems if they were using anticholinergic drugs. Their risk was about four times higher than people without these signs who were not taking the drugs.
In addition, people with genetic risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease were about 2.5 times more likely to experience cognitive decline if they were using these medications. These findings suggest that the effects of anticholinergic drugs may be stronger in people who are already vulnerable to brain disease.
This research highlights an important message. While these medications can be helpful for treating various conditions, they may also have hidden effects on brain health, especially when used over a long period.
For older adults, it may be important to review medications regularly with a doctor. In some cases, there may be alternative treatments that do not affect the brain in the same way. Reducing the use of certain drugs, when possible, could help lower the risk of memory problems.
Protecting brain health involves many factors. Staying physically active, eating a balanced diet, and keeping the mind engaged can all support healthy aging. Managing stress and getting enough sleep are also important for maintaining clear thinking.
The study was led by researcher Lisa Delano-Wood and was published in the journal Neurology. It adds to growing evidence that the medications we take can have effects beyond their main purpose.
As people age, being aware of these possible risks can help them make better decisions about their health. With the right care and attention, it may be possible to protect both the body and the brain over the long term.
If you care about dementia, please read studies about low choline intake linked to higher dementia risk, and how eating nuts can affect your cognitive ability.
For more information about brain health, please see recent studies that blueberry supplements may prevent cognitive decline, and results showing higher magnesium intake could help benefit brain health.
Copyright © 2026 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
