Certain Common Medications Tied to Higher Dementia Risk

A study in the British Medical Journal says that people who use certain types of anti-cholinergics for a year or more have a 30 percent increased risk of developing dementia in the future compared to their counterparts who do not take the medications, reports CNN . The anti-cholinergics in this case include those used to treat depression, Parkinson's, and urinary incontinence. However, individuals taking anti-cholinergics for asthma and gastrointestinal issues were not at an increased risk of developing dementia. Researchers have not determined why there is an increased risk for particular anti-cholinergics. However, some anti-cholinergics drugs may block the normal activity of acetylcholine in regions of the brain associated with memory and cognition. In addition, lower levels of acetylcholine are commonly found in people with Alzheimer's. Researchers also note that there is evidence in animals that anti-cholinergics may affect inflammation in the brain, which can trigger tau and amyloid deposition. Study authors say the investigation did not reveal solid conclusions, but it does suggest alternatives to anti-cholinergics drugs should be explored when possible.