Study: Anticholinergic Use Tied to Dementia

According to a new study, a higher use of anticholinergic medications can be linked to an increased risk of developing dementia. An anticholinergic is a substance that blocks the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the central and peripheral nervous system.

Many medications, including some available over the counter (such as sleep aids), have strong anticholinergic effects, the researchers found. The most commonly used medications in the study of 3,600 seniors were tricyclic antidepressants such as doxepin, first-generation antihistimanies such as chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton) and antimuscarinics for bladder control such as oxybutynin (Ditropan).

According to the research, those who took at least 10 mg/day of doxepin, 4 mg/day of diphenhydramine or 5 mg/day of oxybutynin for more than three years would be at an increased risk of developing dementia.

To learn more, click here.