New research suggests that regular use of certain types of
commonly-prescribed drugs used to treat bladder conditions,
Parkinson’s disease and depression, could significantly increase
the risk of dementia in later life.
The study, carried out by experts from the University of
Nottingham and funded by the National Institute for Health
Research (NIHR), 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.
Dr James Pickett, Head of Research at Alzheimer’s Society, said:
“Our own researchers have already shown a strong link between
anticholinergic drugs and risk of dementia. This study builds on
this information, showing that long-term, high-dose use increases
risk of some dementias, particularly vascular dementia.
A shortcoming of this type of study is that from this information
we can’t rule out whether the diseases that cause dementia might
have already begun in the brains of people involved before they
started taking these drugs. Our ongoing research at the
University of East Anglia is exploring whether anticholinergic
bladder drugs could increase risk by following people while they
take the drug. This research will tell us whether these drugs can
cause dementia and how they might be doing it.
Current guidelines for doctors say that anticholinergic drugs
should be avoided for frail older people because of their impact
on memory and thinking, but doctors should consider these new
findings for all middle aged and older people as long-term use
could raise the risk of dementia
