Study Finds Anticholinergic Drugs May Increase Risk of Memory Problems by 47%

A recent study from the University of California, San Diego, has uncovered that commonly used anticholinergic medications might be linked to memory issues. This research highlights the potential risks associated with these drugs, which are prescribed for a variety of conditions including high blood pressure, allergies, colds, Parkinson’s disease, and bladder problems.

The study, which focused on 688 participants with an average age of 74, sought to determine the impact of anticholinergic drugs on memory and cognitive functions. None of the participants had memory or thinking problems at the study’s outset. Researchers asked participants to report their use of anticholinergic drugs if they had been taking them at least once a week for over six months.

Over a span of up to 10 years, participants underwent annual tests to evaluate their memory and cognitive skills. Approximately one-third of the participants were regular users of anticholinergic drugs, taking an average of five different medications. Commonly used drugs in this group included Metoprolol, Atenolol, Loratadine, and Bupropion.

The study revealed that those taking at least one anticholinergic drug had a 47% higher likelihood of developing memory problems compared to those not using these medications. The researchers found that these memory issues were often early indicators of more severe memory disorders.

Furthermore, individuals with early signs of Alzheimer’s disease or a genetic predisposition to the condition faced an even greater risk. Those with Alzheimer’s markers were four times more likely to experience memory problems if they used anticholinergic drugs. Similarly, individuals with genes associated with Alzheimer’s were 2.5 times more likely to develop memory issues while using these medications.

This finding underscores the importance of minimizing the use of anticholinergic drugs, particularly for individuals already at higher risk for Alzheimer’s disease. The research suggests that reducing these medications before memory issues arise might help prevent future cognitive decline.

The study, led by Lisa Delano-Wood, emphasizes the need for cautious use of anticholinergic drugs, especially among older adults and those genetically predisposed to Alzheimer’s disease. Published in the journal Neurology, the research calls for more scrutiny regarding the long-term impact of these medications on memory.

For those concerned about Alzheimer’s disease, additional studies suggest that vitamin D deficiency may be linked to cognitive decline and that strawberries might offer some protection. Recent research also indicates that certain foods could reduce Alzheimer’s risk and that oral cannabis extract might alleviate symptoms of the disease.