A recent research study linked some common medications to a nearly 50% higher risk of developing dementia or dementia-like symptoms.
About the Study
The study reviewed the data regarding 200,000 patients in Britain who took a strong anticholinergic drug for three years.
Anticholinergics are prescribed for the treatment of a wide range of conditions, including Parkinson’s disease, insomnia, depression and bladder control. About one in four adults take these medications. Some over-the-counter antihistamines also contain anticholinergic, but these were not linked with dementia in the study. The category of drugs is used as prescription-based and over-the-counter drugs as anti-allergy medicines, bladder control medication, COPD drugs, Parkinson’s drugs, depression medications and sleep aids.
In separate research, Researchers at the Center for Aging Research have studied the risks of these same drugs for more than 10 years. They have found that nearly 70% of individuals have taken at least one anticholinergic drug at least once in the last decade.
The study was published in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Study Findings
The study found patients who took anticholinergics were approximately 50% more likely to develop dementia at age 55 or older. Additionally, the medications can cause symptoms that appear to be like dementia in seniors but are not.
The lead researcher for a team who launched a similar study who is leading a team of researchers from the Indiana University School of Medicine, Purdue University and Regenstrief Institute say that use of anticholinergic medications is a risk factor in Alzheimer’s disease and that when exposure is minimized and patients go off these medications, the symptoms subside.
Implications of the Study
The lead researcher reminds the public that the study is a correlational study and not one based on cause and effect. The researchers note that depression and sleep deprivation are common early signs of dementia. However, the researchers believe that doctors, pharmacists and patients should be aware of the connection between these medications and dementia. They should also remember that older individuals are more susceptible to certain mental conditions and taking multiple medications may create a cumulative effect. The researchers suggest that patients with dementia not take any anticholinergics. The researchers believe that a randomized control trial will help to fully understand if there is a cause and effect link between these medications and the occurrence of dementia.
Alternative Treatment Options
Researchers remind patients of the importance to review all medications with your doctor at every doctor visit and to ask if you still need to be taking certain medications. Be sure that you understand the risks and benefits of each medication. Patients should also not believe that simply because a medication is over-the-counter that it is automatically safe.
Additionally, a new app is being designed and tested to help patients detect drugs that may cause dementia so that they can avoid them. Researchers received $3.5 million from the National Institute on Aging to complete a five-year study on the effectiveness of the app. The study will be a randomized controlled trial that reviews 700 older adults who are receiving care at a particular medical facility. The study will focus on how helpful the app will be at preventing its users from taking certain anticholinergic drugs that may impact their brain.
The current studies being conducted on these medications and the Brain Safe app will assist researchers in determining which clinical interventions delay, prevent or minimize the damage that anticholinergics may cause to the brain. Researchers hope that the app will provide greater access information to patient that will allow them to take proactive steps to protect their brain health.
