Anticholinergics: The Hidden Side of Popular Drugs
Anticholinergic medications are used to treat a variety of illnesses, including Parkinson’s disease and urinary problems. They function by inhibiting acetylcholine, a critical neurotransmitter involved in memory and learning. Studies reveal that they raise the risk of dementia. For example, a University of Washington research that tracked over 3,500 older persons for ten years discovered that those who used anticholinergics on a regular basis had a 54% increased risk of acquiring dementia.
Corticosteroids and Brain
Corticosteroids are prescribed to treat a variety of inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. However, long-term use, particularly orally, can result in major side effects such as disorientation, anxiety, and depression. According to a British study, long-term use of corticosteroids raised the risk of getting dementia.
Benzodiazepines provide a silent risk to memory.
