Commonly prescribed drugs could increase the risk of dementia, says a new study

Medical XPress ^ | June 24, 2019 | University of Nottingham

[ConservativeMind]

The study found that there was nearly a 50% increased risk of dementia among patients aged 55 and over who had used strong anticholinergic medication daily for three years or more.

Anticholinergic drugs help to contract and relax muscles. They work by blocking acetylcholine, a chemical that transmits messages in the nervous system.

Doctors prescribe the drugs to treat a variety of conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bladder conditions, allergies, gastrointestinal disorders and symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

These medicines can have short-term side effects, including confusion and memory loss, but it is less certain whether long-term use increases the risk of dementia.

The study findings showed increased risks of dementia for anticholinergic drugs overall and specifically for the anticholinergic antidepressants, antipsychotic drugs, antiparkinsons drugs, bladder drugs and epilepsy drugs after accounting for other risk factors for dementia.

No increased risks were found for the other types of anticholinergic drug studied such as antihistamines and gastrointestinal drugs.

This is an observational study so no firm conclusions can be drawn about whether these anticholinergic drugs cause dementia, and it is possible that the drugs were being prescribed for very early symptoms of dementia.

"We found a greater risk for people diagnosed with dementia before the age of 80 which indicates that anticholinergic drugs should be prescribed with caution in middle-aged people as well as in older people."

In the 1-11 years before the dementia diagnosis date or equivalent in controls, nearly 57% of cases and 51% of controls were prescribed at least one strong anticholinergic drug, with an average of six prescriptions in cases and 4 in controls. The most frequently-prescribed types of drugs were antidepressants, anti-vertigo and bladder antimuscarinic drugs—which are used to treat an overactive bladder.

[ConservativeMind]

When possible, try to change your diet and exercise regimen, to reduce the need for drugs which may have other consequences.

[gaijin]

Yup..!

The doctor assumption is TOTAL patient laziness and stupidity.

They never tell patients how they can help THEMSELVES.

[KC_Lion]

So it’s getting so bad they can’t deny it anymore.

[steve86]

Diphenhydramine (Benedryl), doxepin, mirtazapine: three of the worst and I’ve been on all three but only for short time periods, fortunately. If possible, you want to be on substitutes that DO NOT CTOSS the blood-brain barrier.

[steve86]

CROSS

[goodnesswins]

I used to use benedryl for allergy attacks...hated it...now take a mega dose of vitamin C and am finding it works!

[GnuThere]

Ironically, Parkinson’s patients already have an increased incidence of dementia, so then their meds could be causing a double whammy.

[Osage Orange]

I wouldn't use the word never...

I'm in the medical field and have friends and family that are Doc's..

I know many people in the field that tell their patients how to help themselves.

[Osage Orange]

Are u taking tablets or something else...like Liposomal Vitamin “C”?

[steve86]

Doesn’t for me. Even 1,000 mg puts me in the bathroom.

[fieldmarshaldj]

*ping of interest*

[goodnesswins]

Capsules...ascorbic acid with some citrus...I take @8000mg every day..then add more if allergy problem arises (as just did)...Finally figured out I just need lots of vitamin C...plus trying to prevent adenatamous polyps in my next colonoscopy (I Always have 2-3)

[KYGrandma]

I am now dealing with liver failure for drugs I took for pain. It was mostly over the counter, and Lyrica. Everyone assumes I got it from alcohol. I might have had an odd wine glass. The worst part is not being pain free and the brain fog that I get from too many toxins in the blood.

[ConservativeMind]

Could you share the nature of your liver issues?

[wastedyears]

I’m already probably going to get dementia, as both my paternal grandparents had it. Add in epilepsy medication, and I’m kinda screwed.

[spokeshave]

Burdock thistle root to detoxify the liver.

[KYGrandma]

Extreme fatigue is the worst. I took acetamine,iburophan ,naproxin. The offical name is NASH w/ HE. Oh, and the itching can be hell. I am on Lactulose so I can flush out toxins with what is left of my liver function. I also take diuretics, and blood pressure meds. I will be on this stuff until I need a transplant. My son loves his bourbon and my daughter never turned down a glass of wine. My sister is probably the one, but she is older than me! LOL

[perfect_rovian_storm]

Choline and Inositol, 3 grams per day, will help immensely with your liver issue. It will also have some cognative benefits.

As for your pain and brain fog, get a full thyroid panel done. Do NOT accept the TSH test as an indicator of your thyroid health. Make your doctor test for T4, T3, and RT3 levels. If they won’t, go get your own tests run. I was undiagnosed as hypothyroid for decades, because nobody ever ran tests to show how deficient I was in T3. I had brain fog, trouble sleeping, body pain, etc. When I took my first dose of T3, about a half hour later I literally felt like I woke up from 20 years of sleepwalking.

[perfect_rovian_storm]

Choline/Inositol are more effective.

[Toad of Toad Hall]

I am so sorry to hear that. I am going to pray for you, asking God to take away your pain and discomfort and heal you. I pray that our merciful Father will give you peace and strength and allow you to fully enjoy life one more. Please take care!