An estimated 57 million people were living with dementia globally in 2021, with Alzheimer’s disease accounting for 60–70% of all cases. Now, a new study warns that adults who take certain prescription drugs may face a significantly higher risk of developing dementia.According to a meta-analysis published in the Neurology and Urodynamics journal, people who take certain prescription drugs for more than three months have an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, a brain disorder that slowly destroys a person’s memory and thinking skills. This disease leads to a loss of cognitive functioning, such as thinking, remembering, and reasoning, along with behavioural abilities to such an extent that it interferes with a person’s daily life and activities. Over time, Alzheimer’s patients lose their ability to perform simple daily tasks, such as eating or walking. How does the prescription drug increase the risk of Alzheimer’s
According to the meta-analysis, the long-term use of anticholinergic drugs, commonly prescribed for conditions like overactive bladder, allergies, and depression, can raise the risk of dementia by 46%. The study, which analyzed 21 studies and included a meta-analysis of six, looked at the impact of anticholinergic drugs taken for at least three months. These medications block acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that is critical for memory and cognitive function. Acetylcholine transmits messages in the nervous system.In the brain, acetylcholine is linked to learning and memory. In the rest of the body, it stimulates muscle contractions. Anticholinergic drugs also include antihistamines, tricyclic antidepressants, medications to control an overactive bladder, and drugs to relieve the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
The findings revealed a clear association between prolonged anticholinergic use and dementia risk. The study found a people who took these anticholinergic drugs had a 46% increased risk of dementia compared to those who didn’t take them. The risk grew with longer exposure, with some studies noting a dose-dependent effect. “Anticholinergic use for ≥3 months increased the risk of dementia on average by an estimated 46% versus nonuse.This relationship was consistent in studies assessing overactive bladder medications. The risk of developing dementia should be carefully considered in the context of potential benefit before prescribing anticholinergics,” the authors said.Another study by researchers at the University of Nottingham found that there was nearly a 50% increased risk of dementia among patients aged 55 and over who had used strong anticholinergic medication daily for three years or more. “This study found that there was nearly a 50% increased risk of dementia among patients aged 55 and over who had used strong anticholinergic medication daily for three years or more,” Professor Tom Dening, Head of the Centre for Dementia at the University, and a member of the research team said.The study followed 58,769 patients with a diagnosis of dementia and 225,574 patients without a diagnosis of dementia.