Anticholinergic medications common in psychiatry and neurology might be associated with the risk of dementia.
Anticholinergic drugs, prescribed for various mental conditions and even bladder cancer, may increase the risk of dementia by up to 50%.
Experts from the University of Nottingham, United Kingdom, detected a relationship that should lead doctors and patients to be more cautious with the use of anticholinergic drugs that are widely used throughout the world to treat a variety of conditions including obstructive pulmonary disease chronic, bladder conditions, allergies, gastrointestinal disorders and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
In the study, they detected an almost 50% increase in the risk of dementia among patients aged 55 years and older who had used a strong daily anticholinergic medication for three years or more.
The main function of these drugs is to help contract and relax the muscles. They operate by blocking acetylcholine, a chemical that transmits messages in the nervous system.
The research, published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine and directed by Carol Coupland of the University’s Primary Care Division, examined the medical records of 58,769 patients diagnosed with dementia and 225,574 patients without diagnosis of dementia, all 55 years of age.
The risk of Dementia Is greater than anticipated
Coupland said, through a university statement, that “our study adds additional evidence of the potential risks associated with strong anticholinergic drugs, particularly antidepressants, bladder antimuscarinics, Parkinson’s drugs, and medications. for epilepsy. ”
In the case of types of anticholinergic drugs studied, such as antihistamines and gastrointestinal drugs, no greater risks were detected.
Professor Tom Dening, head of the Center for Dementia at the University of Nottingham and a member of the research team, said: “It is important that patients who take drugs of this type, not only stop them abruptly, as this can be a lot more harmful. If patients have concerns, they should consult with their doctor to consider the pros and cons of the treatment they receive. “
