Can certain medications cause dementia?
These findings are intriguing but they aren’t definitive, and they don’t mean you should stop taking a medication because you’re concerned about developing dementia. First, this study found that use of certain medications was more common in people later diagnosed with dementia. That doesn’t mean these drugs caused dementia.
Are allergy medications harmful to your brain?
But it is important to choose wisely, as some allergy medications can harm brain health and increase dementia risk. Diphenhydramine (e.g., Benadryl®) is a first-generation antihistamine medication [1]. In addition to treating allergy and cold symptoms such as sneezing and watery eyes, it also blocks the actions of acetylcholine.
Do anticholinergic drugs like Benadryl cause dementia?
Common anticholinergic drugs like Benadryl linked to increased dementia risk - Harvard Health Blog - Harvard Health Publishing Long-term use of anticholinergic drugs like Benadryl, some antidepressants, and others has been linked to increased risk of developing dementia.
What is the connection between allergies and dementia?
Allergies and Dementia. These are known as anticholinergic drugs and they have a connection to Dementia! A study done by the University School of Medicine (published in JAMA Neurology) used brain imaging (via PET/MRI). The brain imaging showed higher atrophy of the brain as well as lower brain metabolism.
Do allergy pills cause memory loss?
The medicines you take can have a surprising effect on memory, but it's not just the ones your doctor prescribes. Over-the-counter medications such as Benadryl and other antihistamine allergy medications also can lead to temporary brain fog and forgetfulness.
Can allergy medicine cause Alzheimer's?
Some drugs commonly used to treat hay fever, insomnia and depression have been linked to a higher risk of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, a new study reports. And the longer the medications are taken, the greater the risk.
Can antihistamines cause dementia?
Long-term use of anticholinergic drugs is associated with increased dementia risk. Potential harm to the brain: Long-term anticholinergic use has been associated with increased dementia risk; diphenhydramine can impair many cognitive functions including memory.
What medications increase risk of dementia?
The researchers found that anticholinergic drugs in general were associated with a higher risk of dementia. More specifically, however, anticholinergic antidepressants, antipsychotic drugs, anti-Parkinson's drugs, bladder drugs, and epilepsy drugs were associated with the highest increase in risk.
Is Zyrtec linked to dementia?
Diphenhydramine is classified as an anticholinergic drug, and a study of this class of drug found that increased use is associated with an up to 54% increased risk of dementia [2].
Why was Zyrtec taken off the market?
According to the June 26, 2019, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Enforcement Report, P & L Developments initiated the recall after learning of a recall issued by its supplier over potential Burkholderia cepacia (B. cepacia) and Ralstonia pickettii (R. pickettii) contamination.
What are the long term side effects of antihistamines?
These common side effects include sedation, impaired motor function, dizziness, dry mouth and throat, blurred vision, urinary retention and constipation. Antihistamines can worsen urinary retention and narrow angle glaucoma. The antihistamines rarely cause liver injury.
Is it OK to take Claritin everyday?
by Drugs.com Yes, you can take Claritin daily and long term. It is an antihistamine used to treat for allergy symptoms. If your symptoms are year round then it is able to be taken long term. If your symptoms are seasonal or you have allergy symptoms occasionally, then it is taken daily when required.
What do antihistamines do to the brain?
First-generation antihistamines like Benadryl not only block the effect of histamine, but as anticholinergics, they also block the effect of acetylcholine, a chemical in your brain that helps send messages between cells. Blocking acetylcholine can cause temporary drowsiness, confusion, and memory loss.
Is Benadryl linked to Alzheimer's?
Researchers have discovered a significant link between high use of anticholinergic drugs – including popular non-prescription sleep aids and the antihistamine Benadryl (diphenhydramine) – and increased risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease in older people.
How can dementia be prevented?
This means you can help reduce your risk of dementia by:eating a healthy, balanced diet.maintaining a healthy weight.exercising regularly.keeping alcohol within recommended limits.stopping smoking.keeping your blood pressure at a healthy level.
What medications should be avoided with dementia?
Narcotics such as hydrocodone, oxycodone and morphine; muscle relaxants such as cyclobenzaprine, carisoprodol; NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen should be avoided if possible. If these medications must be used, they should be used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration to minimize adverse effects.
Do antihistamines increase risk of Alzheimer's?
But there was no association between dementia and antihistamine medications. A 2018 study had similar findings. While certain types of anticholinergic medications were linked to dementia, antihistamines were not.
What are the 9 Common drugs Linked to Alzheimer's?
Antianxiety drugs (Benzodiazepines) Examples: Alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clonazepam (Klonopin), diazepam (Valium), flurazepam (Dalmane), lorazepam (Ativan), midazolam (Versed), quazepam (Doral), temazepam (Restoril) and triazolam (Halcion).
Is Benadryl linked to Alzheimer's?
Researchers have discovered a significant link between high use of anticholinergic drugs – including popular non-prescription sleep aids and the antihistamine Benadryl (diphenhydramine) – and increased risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease in older people.
Is flonase linked to dementia?
By September 20, 2017, 35,221 people reported side effects to FDA after taking Flonase (intranasal fluticasone propionate). Among them, 9 people (0.03%) had Dementia Alzheimer's type (Fig. 1). MedWatch Alzheimer's disease reports in patients using Flonase, Lipitor (atorvastatin), and ibuprofen by year.
What is the best medication for allergy?
But newer antihistamines such as loratadine (Claritin) and cetirizine (Zyrtec) can treat allergy symptoms without anticholinergic effects, she adds. (Plus, this pill might be The Promising Alternative to Allergy Shots .)
What is the effect of anticholinergic meds on the brain?
That’s how it causes the short-term fuzzy-mind effects, like impaired memory and attention.
Can you stop taking anticholinergic drugs?
Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether the medications you take are anticholinergic. The findings of this study—along with prior supporting research—are strong enough to suggest that you should talk to your doc about stopping these meds, Dr. Dublin says.
Is antihistamine bad for your brain?
Is your antihistamine bad news for your brain? Regularly taking a certain class of over-the-counter or prescription drugs might increase your risk for developing dementia down the line, finds a new study from the University of Washington, Seattle.
What is the effect of anticholinergic agents on the brain?
Anticholinergic agents commonly used for colds and allergies have been linked with brain atrophy and dysfunction.
What conditions were tested for anticholinergics?
The conditions tested included ischemic attack, myocardial infarction, hypertension, insomnia, and depression.
Can allergies cause dementia?
Common Allergy Drugs May Raise Dementia Risk. Anticholinergic agents commonly used for colds and allergies have been linked with brain atrophy and dysfunction. Anticholinergic agents commonly used for colds and allergies have been linked with brain atrophy and dysfunction.
Does ADNI affect memory?
Patients taking medication with medium or high anticholinergic effects in the ADNI cohort didn’ t perform as well on immediate memory recall and executive function. They also had reduced glucose metabolism, as well as whole-brain and temporal lobe atrophy.
Does anticholinergic medication reduce cortical volume?
In addition, those who took anticholinergic medication had reduced total cortical volume and temporal lobe cortical thickness and greater lateral ventricle and inferior lateral ventricle volumes compared with those who weren’t taking the medications.
Does anticholinergic medication affect executive function?
The researchers thought this effect was additive, as more anticholinergic medications was associated with poorer executive function and increased brain atrophy.
Can allergy medications harm the brain?
Can Allergy Medications Harm Your Brain? It's allergy season and many of us will be reaching into the medicine cabinet for relief. But it is important to choose wisely, as some allergy medications can harm brain health and increase dementia risk.
Is diphenhydramine a neurotransmitter?
This is a neurotransmitter that is important for brain functions including learning and memory. Diphenhydramine is classified as an anticholinergic drug, and a study of this class of drug found that increased use is associated with an up to 54% increased risk of dementia [2]. In the short-term, side effects of diphenhy dramine can include dizziness, ...
Does Clarinex affect sleep?
Desloratadine (e.g., Clarinex®) was tested against diphenhydramine in a study of 204 people. It had no significant effect on sleepiness, working memory, psychomotor speed, reasoning/computation, and divided attention [13]. Diphenhydramine, by contrast, caused impairment on all these measures.
Is loratadine the same as diphenhydramine?
The study found that loratadine fared the same as a placebo with regards to side effects while patients taking diphenhydramine reported fatigue, sleepiness, and low motivation, and demonstrated poorer cognitive performance [5]. Fexofenadine (e.g., Allegra®) also fared better than diphenhydramine in several studies.
Do antihistamines have cognitive side effects?
The good news is that newer antihistamines equal the effectiveness of diphenhydramine with few or no cognitive side effects. These medications were developed to minimize adverse events common to diphenhydramine and other older antihistamines [11] [12].
Is Allegra better than Fexofenadine?
Fexofenadine (e.g., Allegra®) also fared better than diphenhydramine in several studies. In one trial of 42 people, a single dose of diphenhydramine significantly slowed response time, increased omission errors, and increased drowsiness compared with placebo [14]. Fexofenadine did not cause any significant changes.
Is Benadryl a neurotransmitter?
In addition to treating allergy and cold symptoms such as sneezing and watery eyes, it also blocks the actions of acetylcholine. This is a neurotransmitter that is important for brain functions including learning and memory. Diphenhydramine is classified as an anticholinergic drug, and a study of this class of drug found that increased use is associated with an up to 54% increased risk of dementia [2].
What to do if you are allergic to dust?
If you are allergic to dust, make sure you wash sheets regularly and use allergy mattress covers and pillow covers.
How do anticholinergic medications work?
Anticholinergic medications work by suppressing the action of acetycholine in the body and brain. This is a neurotransmitter. That means it transmits messages to the brain. Two over-the-counter allergy medications fall into this category:
Is loraladine good for allergies?
Loratadine (Claritin, Alavert) is highly effective for many people with seasonal or indoor allergies. The inhaled corticosteroids such as Flonase can provide relief when oral medication does not.
Can antihistamines cause dementia?
The initial study linked long-term high dose of a common class of antihistamine, antidepressant and bladder control medication to serious, irreversible side effects such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Is Zoloft a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor?
Sertraline (marketed as Zoloft) is included in the class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). This class of drugs is used to treat depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. Read more here: depressions-treatment-info.com
How many people have dementia without taking drugs?
If 17% of the population acquired dementia without taking the suspected drugs, and 26% of those who took the suspected drugs acquired dementia, it does lead to some suspicion though. Like you said, we need to see the exact numbers.
What should you do about Benadryl and the risks of dementia?
There are so many alternatives to these drugs. For example, selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors ( SSRI s) like citalopram (Celexa) or fluoxetine (Prozac) are good alternatives to tricyclic antidepressants. Newer antihistamines such as loratadine (Claritin) can replace diphenhydramine. Exercises to strengthen pelvic floor muscles (Kegel exercises) and cognitive behavioral training can help reduce urinary incontinence.
What are the side effects of anticholinergic drugs?
It’s not surprising that problems with short-term memory, reasoning, and confusion lead the list of side effects of anticholinergic drugs, which also include drowsiness, dry mouth, urine retention, and constipation. The University of Washington study is the first to include nonprescription drugs.
What is the effect of anticholinergic drugs on the nervous system?
Anticholinergic drugs block the action of acetylcholine. This substance transmits messages in the nervous system. In the brain, acetylcholine is involved in learning and memory. In the rest of the body, it stimulates muscle contractions. Anticholinergic drugs include some antihistamines, tricyclic antidepressants, medications to control overactive bladder, and drugs to relieve the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
What are some alternatives to tricyclic antidepressants?
For example, selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors ( SSRIs) like citalopram (Celexa) or fluoxetine (Prozac) are good alternatives to tricyclic antidepressants. Newer antihistamines such as loratadine (Claritin) can replace diphenhydramine or chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton).
How to find out about drugs?
You can probably find out about specific drugs by asking your pharmacist. A good one may be more up-to-date about the side effects of particular drugs than physicians have time to be. Also, check the website for “The People’s Pharmacy,” the radio show. I believe they have a list in one of their books.
Can anticholinergics be taken long term?
The ACT results add to mounting evidence that anticholinergics aren’t drugs to take long-term if you want to keep a clear head, and keep your head clear into old age. The body’s production of acetylcholine diminishes with age, so blocking its effects can deliver a double whammy to older people.
What are some examples of antihistamines?
Common examples include: diphenhydramine (a common antihistamine, as found in Benadryl). In this new study, researchers collected detailed information from more than 300,000 adults ages 65 and older, and compared medication use among those diagnosed with dementia with those who were not.
What is the effect of anticholinergic drugs on the body?
These are drugs that block a chemical messenger called acetylcholine, which affects muscle activity in the digestive and urinary tracts, lungs, and elsewhere in the body. It’s also involved in memory and learning.
How many older adults take anticholinergic medications?
Many medications have at least some anticholinergic effects, and it’s estimated that up to half of older adults in the US take one or more of these medications. Common examples include:
Is dementia more common in the coming years?
Experts predict that dementia will become much more common in the coming years. We badly need a better understanding of the cause of these conditions, as this could lead to better treatments and even preventive measures.
Does smoking affect dementia?
This type of study looks at the risk in a large group, but individual factors (such as smoking or being sedentary) may have a much bigger impact on dementia risk. Still, there is reason to be concerned about the possibility that anticholinergic drugs contribute to the risk of dementia.
Can Alzheimer's disease be reversed?
For example, available treatments for Alzheimer’s disease may slow the deterioration a bit, but they don’t reverse the condition. In fact, for most people taking medications for dementia, it may be difficult to know if the treatment is working at all. Experts predict that dementia will become much more common in the coming years.
Can depression cause dementia?
For example, some people develop depression during the early phases of dementia. Rather than antidepressants causing dementia, the medication might be prescribed for early symptoms of dementia that has already developed.
