Tag: Dementia risk

A 2018 study on antiepileptic drug use found regular use of medications with cognitive adverse effects was associated with a 59% increased risk of incident dementia. Understanding which epilepsy drugs cause dementia is crucial for long-term treatment planning, as various factors influence cognitive outcomes.

According to evidence, 20–50% of older adults are prescribed medications with anticholinergic effects. It is therefore crucial to understand **which of the following drug classes should be avoided in the elderly due to an increased risk of anticholinergic effects**, which can trigger serious complications including cognitive decline, increased falls, and other adverse events.

Nearly half of adults in the U.S. have high blood pressure, a condition that significantly impacts brain health [1.6.1]. The critical question many ask is: **Do blood pressure meds affect the brain?** The answer is a multifaceted yes, with both protective benefits and potential side effects.

A 2015 study published in *JAMA Internal Medicine* found that older adults who used a strong anticholinergic medication daily for more than three years had a 54% higher risk of developing dementia compared to those with less use. This research highlights a critical public health question: **What common drug has been linked to dementia?** While no single pill causes dementia, several drug classes are associated with increased risk, particularly in older populations.

A significant body of evidence links the use of oxybutynin to adverse cognitive outcomes, including memory impairment [1.2.2, 1.2.5, 1.2.6]. If you're wondering, **does oxybutynin cause brain fog**, the answer is that it can, due to its properties as an anticholinergic drug.

Globally, around 57 million people are affected by dementia, a number expected to nearly triple by 2050. Growing evidence raises concerns about which drug has been associated with increased dementia in the elderly, pointing primarily towards common prescription and over-the-counter medications.

According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, diphenhydramine is not a recommended long-term treatment for insomnia due to its risks, and for those who use it nightly, a tolerance can develop in as little as three nights. This article explores what happens if I take diphenhydramine every night and the significant health risks associated with chronic use.

Chronic administration of tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline can produce long-lasting changes in neurotransmission, leading to a different side effect profile over time compared to short-term use. For patients considering or currently on long-term therapy, understanding the potential long-term effects of using amitriptyline is crucial for weighing benefits against risks.

A 2015 study published in *JAMA Internal Medicine* found a strong link between long-term use of certain anticholinergic medications, including first-generation antihistamines, and an increased risk of dementia. For those seeking allergy relief while protecting cognitive health, understanding which antihistamine is least likely to cause dementia is essential.

Despite its continued use, an overwhelming body of evidence links the anticholinergic drug oxybutynin to adverse cognitive outcomes [1.2.1, 1.3.1]. The key question for many is: **what cognitive impairment is associated with oxybutynin?** This includes memory deficits, attention problems, and increased dementia risk [1.2.1].