Researchers in the UK have
found that long-term use of certain strong anticholinergic drugs
could increase dementia risk by nearly 50% in over 55s. The
findings are published today (Monday 24 June) in the scientific
journal, JAMA Internal
Medicine.
The researchers looked at
drugs which have an ‘anticholinergic’ action – meaning they block
the action of a brain chemical called acetylcholine, which is
used to help nerve cells send signals to one
another.
Dr Jana Voigt, Head
of Research at Alzheimer’s Research UK,
said:
“There is a growing body of evidence that
suggests certain anticholinergic drugs are linked to an increased
dementia
risk.
“In this well-conducted
study, researchers looked at the information stored in thousands
of people’s health records. While finding a link between certain
strong anticholinergic drugs and an increased risk of dementia,
it doesn’t tell us if these drugs cause the
condition.
“Interestingly strong
anticholinergic drug use was associated with a higher risk of
vascular dementia than Alzheimer’s
disease, but the
mechanisms behind this observation are
unclear.
“Current
NICE guidelines for dementia reference the risk of cognitive
impairment for those taking strong anticholinergic drugs and
recommends doctors try to look for alternatives.
Anticholinergics can have
beneficial effects that doctors need to carefully weigh against
any potential side effects.
Anyone who is worried
about their medication should seek advice from their GP before
stopping any course of
treatment.”
Ends
Notes to
editors:
-
Ref: Anticholinergic Drug
Exposure and the Risk of Dementia. A Nested Case-Control Study
by Coupland et al is published 24/6/19
in JAMA
Internal
Medicine.
-
Our animation “What is
dementia?” explains the essentials of dementia and the diseases
that cause it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HobxLbPhrMc
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