Common over-the-counter drugs can hurt your brain

news4jax.com ^ | Ben Tinker CNN

[BenLurkin]

A new study, published Monday, offers the most definite proof yet of what scientists have known for at least a decade: that anticholinergic drugs (PDF) are linked with cognitive impairment and an increased risk of dementia.

Though you may have never heard of this class of drug, you've certainly heard of the medications themselves, including Benadryl, Demerol, Dimetapp, Dramamine, Unisom and VESIcare. They are sold over the counter and by prescription as sleep aids and for chronic diseases including hypertension, cardiovascular disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The new study is the first to examine the physical changes that serve as the catalyst for cognitive decline. Using brain imaging techniques, researchers at the Indiana University School of Medicine found (PDF) lower metabolism and reduced brain sizes among study participants taking anticholinergic drugs.

"These findings provide us with a much better understanding of how this class of drugs may act upon the brain in ways that might raise the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia," said Shannon Risacher, an assistant professor of radiology and imaging sciences.

The study looked at 451 people, with an average age of 73. Sixty of them were taking at least one medication with medium or high anticholinergic activity. To identify physical and physiological changes that could be associated with the reported effects, researchers assessed the results of memory and cognitive tests; PET scans, to measure brain metabolism; and MRI scans, to assess brain structure.

The cognitive tests revealed that people taking anticholinergic drugs performed worse on short-term memory tests and some tests of executive function, including verbal reasoning, planning and problem-solving.

[Purdue77]

I started taking a couple of these meds a few years... What were we talking about.

[Gaffer]

The gist? This little paragraph here in the article later on. Though you may have never heard of this class of drug, you've certainly heard of the medications themselves, including Benadryl, Demerol, Dimetapp, Dramamine, Unisom and VESIcare. They are sold over the counter and by prescription as sleep aids and for chronic diseases including hypertension, cardiovascular disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

I at least commend the writers and venue for presenting their set of facts with whatever science there is behind them before blasting out the Brand OTCs willy nilly at the beginning. One might say refreshing for a change.

[Gaffer]

Where’s that bacon sammich you promised me?

[Mrs. Don-o]

Thanks.

[Arm_Bears]

The dose makes the poison.

[Purdue77]

Alas, poor sammich, a pig of infinite jest. We ate him last.

[pieceofthepuzzle]

“What were we talking about?”

That $2000 you borrowed from me.

[Dr. Sivana]

lower metabolism and reduced brain sizes

Well you can get things like tat from alcohol and pregnancy.

[pieceofthepuzzle]

There are a lot of commonly used drugs with significant anti-cholinergic effects, including many of the tricyclic anti-depressants.

[Gaffer]

I’ll take your word for it. I was really just commenting on the fact that the results and/or science of the contention was presented first instead of sensationally leading with some Brand Name example. Frankly, I thought it was worthy of positive comment.

[NonValueAdded]

OTC Demerol?

[pieceofthepuzzle]

I agree entirely. I guess I wasn't responding directly to your comment, but just thought I'd mention the TCA’s, considering how many people are taking these drugs.

It's ironic that there are so many lawyers out there spreading misinformation while trying to get participants in class-action suits targeting drugs that are actually really important and well-tolerated, but important information that people should know in order to make informed decisions doesn't necessarily get out there.

[ncpatriot]

http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/common-anticholinergic-drugs-like-benadryl-linked-increased-dementia-risk-201501287667

[Gaffer]

Sorry.....I rely on the smart among us for the actual facts - like you. I only wanted to make just that one comment because of the contrary exposures and hype about everything else that I’ve seen in the past.

:0)

[ncpatriot]

List:
http://www.agingbraincare.org/uploads/products/ACB_scale_-_legal_size.pdf

Also, the comments to the first article I posted are interesting

[McGruff]

We’ve become a pill popping society. Twenty years ago I couldn’t believe my mother was taking 5 pills a day prescribed by her doctor. Now I’m taking that many. And my wife is taking many more. Doctors seem to love giving out prescriptions. Wonder why.

[IamConservative]

Taking too much Tylenol (acetaminophen) can flat out kill you, and it doesn’t take a ridiculous amount. Causes liver failure.

[4yearlurker]

My wife has worked in the same doctors office as a ME for 16 years. She says there are a lot of folks out their who want their pills. They yell at her over the phone,cuss her,threaten her,if the doctors wont refill their pill prescription. She tells the doctor and he calls the patient back and tells them he is kicking them out of his practice and go somewhere else.

[Ditter]

I have taken Benadryl for years if I stop will my brain function come back? I have taken it with my doctors knowledge and I suppose, his approval. He never told me to stop.