Many people take common medications to help with allergies, high blood pressure, depression, or motion sickness. These drugs are often trusted and used for years. However, a new study from the University of California, San Diego, reveals that some of these medications might harm memory and thinking skills, especially in older adults or people at risk for Alzheimer’s disease.
### What Are Anticholinergic Drugs?
These medications are called anticholinergic drugs. They work by blocking a chemical in the body called acetylcholine. This chemical helps control functions such as muscle movement, heart rate, and—most importantly—memory and learning. While blocking acetylcholine can help treat certain illnesses, it may also negatively affect how the brain works over time.
### The Study Details
In the study, researchers followed 688 people with an average age of 74. At the start, none had any memory or thinking problems. They were asked whether they had taken any anticholinergic drugs at least once a week for more than six months. The researchers then assessed their memory and cognitive abilities annually for up to 10 years.
About one-third of the participants reported taking these drugs consistently, with an average use of nearly five different types. Common anticholinergic medications included:
– Metoprolol and atenolol (for high blood pressure)
– Loratadine (for allergies)
– Bupropion (for depression)
### Surprising and Concerning Results
The findings were striking. People taking at least one anticholinergic drug were 47% more likely to develop mild cognitive impairment (MCI) compared to those who did not take these medications. MCI is characterized by memory problems greater than expected for a person’s age and can sometimes progress to dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
The risk was even higher for certain groups:
– Individuals who already showed signs of Alzheimer’s in their spinal fluid were **four times more likely** to develop memory issues if they took anticholinergic drugs.
– People with genetic predispositions making them more susceptible to Alzheimer’s were **2.5 times more likely** to experience memory decline when using these medications.
### What Does This Mean for You?
This research suggests that using anticholinergic drugs could accelerate memory loss, particularly in those already at risk for Alzheimer’s disease. This is concerning because these medications are common and often used without much consideration of their potential effects on the brain.
The scientists emphasize the importance of discussing medication options with healthcare providers, especially for older adults. There may be safer alternatives for treating conditions like allergies, depression, or high blood pressure that do not carry the same risks to cognitive health.
Being cautious about the medicines we take might help protect memory and thinking abilities as we age.
### Broader Implications
This study is part of a larger body of research indicating that medications used for one health problem can sometimes negatively impact other areas of health. For example, certain blood pressure medicines can also affect the brain if not chosen carefully.
If you or someone you know is taking anticholinergic drugs and is concerned about memory problems, it’s a good idea to consult a doctor. Healthcare professionals can help identify safer treatment options tailored to individual needs.
### Further Reading
This research was led by Lisa Delano-Wood and published in the journal *Neurology*.
If you are interested in Alzheimer’s disease, consider exploring these related studies:
– **New Alzheimer’s treatment: anti-inflammatory drug may prevent memory loss**
– **The diabetes drug surprise: a possible shield against Alzheimer’s?**
For more information about brain health, also read:
– **Scientists find connection between fungus and Alzheimer’s disease**
– **Scientists find links between COVID-19 and Alzheimer’s disease**
Taking proactive steps and staying informed about medication effects can make a significant difference in preserving cognitive health over time.
https://knowridge.com/2025/10/popular-blood-pressure-drugs-may-harm-memory-function-especially-in-older-people/