


The study only found the association for people taking these drugs for 3 or more years. This isn’t the first time researchers found a connection between anticholinergic drugs and cognitive decline. In 2015, University of Washington scientists also found the chronic use of certain anticholinergic sleep aids and hay fever meds in the increased a person’s risk of dementia. Using MRI and PET scan imaging, researchers showed how people taking anticholinergic drugs experienced lower brain metabolism and higher brain atrophy. The JAMA Neurology study is unique because Indiana University School of Medicine researchers actually used brain imaging to detect how anticholinergic drugs impact the brain. This drug class includes popular medications used for allergies, seasickness and sleep, including diphenhydramine, dimenhydrinate and others.Īnd yes, you’d think some of the most popular allergy and insomnia drugs on the market would be safe, but one study outlines some frightening health risks. And now we must ask ourselves, “Is this one of the drugs linked to dementia and memory loss?” Emerging research is finding disturbing connections between anticholinergic drugs and negative brain effects.

Any time you take a medication, weighing the risks and benefits of the drug is a must.
