Could Common Medications Increase Your Risk Of Alzheimer's?

Could common medications increase dementia risk?

New findings published in JAMA Internal Medicine examine how certain antihistamine drugs like Priton and Benadryl may pose a potential threat to cognitive abilities.

For the study, researchers looked at medications with anticholinergic effects that work by blocking signals to the nervous system, including a number of medications that come in both prescriptions and over-the-counter treatments.

Researchers at the University of Washington followed 3,434 people aged 65 and older who had no signs of dementia at the start of the study, tracking their physical health and overall well-being.

"Older adults should be aware that many medications - including some available without a prescription, such as over-the-counter sleep aids - have strong anticholinergic effects," said lead study author Dr. Shelly Gray, in a news release. "Of course, no one should stop taking any therapy without consulting their health-care provider. Health-care providers should regularly review their older patients' drug regimens - including over-the-counter medications - to look for chances to use fewer anticholinergic medications at lower doses."

Findings revealed that 160 out of 637 from the sample developed some form of dementia.

Furthermore, the study results suggested that those taking at least 10 mg/day of doxepin (antidepressant), 4 mg/day of diphenhydramine (a sleep aid), or 5 mg/day of oxybutynin (a urinary incontinence drug) for more than three years would be at greater risk of developing dementia.

A seven-year follow-up also showed that 637 participants had developed Alzheimer's disease, while close to 160 had developed another form of dementia.

While symptoms of dementia can vary greatly, it's important to talk with your doctor if you or a loved one are experiencing memory problems, communication or language issues, a strong inability to focus or pay attention, struggles with reasoning or judgement or visual perception. 

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