4 current drugs that increase your risk of dementia, according to a pharmacist

These drugs may have a serious impact on brain health.


Memory loss can be a natural part of aging - but a simple oblivion is not the same Like the cognitive decline caused by diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. The is A link between aging and dementia, however. "The best known risk factor [For Alzheimer's disease], age is increasing and the majority of people with Alzheimer's are 65 and over, "said the Alzheimer's association.

Another risk factor known for Alzheimer's disease and related dementia (ADRD) is genetic. "Having A family story Dementia expresss you a greater risk of developing the condition, "said Mayo Clinic.

Although your genes cannot be changed, and we will all continue to age if we are lucky, other risk factors for dementia can be avoided . For example, taking certain drugs can increase your risk of cognitive decline. Read the rest to discover what they are.

Read this then: This current medication could hurt your brain, says a new study .

1
Benzodiazepines

Capsules spilling from a bottle.
Fastye / istock

The National Institute on Drugs Abuse explains that benzodiazepines are a type of prescription sedative that works Increase the level of gaba (a neurotransmitter inhibitor) in your brain. "The common benzodiazepines include diazepam (valium), alprazolam (xanax) and clonazepam (Klonopine), among others," said the site.

In addition to the other potential dangers of benzodiazepines (such as overdose or dependence), long -term use of benzodiazepines can lead to Alzheimer's disease ,, Benjamin Gibson , Pharmd, says Better life . This is because benzodiazepines have Anterograd amnesiac properties which disrupt the short and long -term memory function, according to a 2016 article published by The newspaper of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the law.

2
Statins

Pack of statins.
Rogerashford / Istock

Statins, such as Lipitor and Pravachol, are drugs that lower cholesterol levels. "These drugs have also been linked to a lower risk of Heart disease and Strok E, "The Mayo Clinic Note". These drugs can help stabilize plates on the walls of blood vessels and reduce the risk of certain blood clots. ""

Some research has found a link between statins and a Increased risk of dementia , but Joann Manson , MD tells Harvard Health that This connection is not without controversy.

"There is still no clear conclusion if they help prevent dementia or Alzheimer's disease, have neutral effects or increasing the risk," said Manson. However, "if your health care provider recommends statins and says you are a candidate, the advantages of taking it are very, very likely to win on all risks," said Manson.

3
Anticholinergics

Pills spilling out from yellow container.
Bet_noire / Istock

Kevin Hwang , MD, told Goodrx that research has found A possible link Between anticholinergic drugs and dementia. Anticholinergics Treat different conditions which include urinary incontinence. But Hwang underlines that "anticholinergics block the effect of acetylcholine, a chemical in your brain which helps to send messages between cells. Acetylcholine blocking can cause temporary drowsiness, confusion and loss of memory." AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

According to Drugs.com, classes of the most common anticholinergic drugs Used by the elderly are tricyclic antidepressants, first generation antihistamines and hyperactive bladder antimuscarinics.

"Overall, a higher overall use of anticholinergic drugs (three years or more) in all patient groups was linked to a risk of 54% higher To develop dementia That to take the same dose for three months or less, "reported drugs.com, also warning that" the risk of anticholinergic dementia [may] remain even after stopping the medication ".

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4
Parkinson drugs

Pill in the palm of a person's hand.
Peopleimages / Istock

Anticholinergic drugs can effectively reduce tremors caused by Parkinson's disease, but this can also slow down cognitive capacities. "The elderly are particularly sensitive to confusion And hallucinations on anticholinergics, these agents should therefore be avoided in people over 70 years of age ", according to the Parkinson Foundation.

Best Life offers the most recent information from high -level experts, new research and health agencies, but our content is not supposed to replace professional advice. Regarding the medication you take or any other health issue you have, always consult your health care provider directly.


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