MEDICATIONS PRESCRIBED TO MILLIONS ARE UNDER SCRUTINY: Medicines commonly prescribed to older adults, are facing renewed attention, after research linked certain drugs, with an increased risk of dementia. The concern centres on medications with anticholinergic effects, which block the action of a chemical messenger called acetylcholine. Acetylcholine plays an important role in memory, learning, attention and other brain functions, meaning that medicines affecting this system, have consequences, beyond the condition they were originally prescribed to treat.
WHAT ARE ANTICHOLINERGIC MEDICATIONS?: Anticholinergic medicines are used for a wide range of health problems, including overactive bladder, depression, allergies, Parkinson’s disease, stomach problems, dizziness and bladder control. Examples include oxybutynin, tolterodine, amitriptyline and procyclidine, although many other medicines have anticholinergic properties. Many products have been prescribed for years, particularly when symptoms are persistent, or when patients have several medical conditions requiring treatment.
WHY THE BIG CONCERN?: Only now are researchers investigating long-term exposure to medicines with anticholinergic effects, associated with cognitive decline, memory problems and dementia. Studies have reported that people taking anticholinergic medicines were more likely to receive a dementia diagnosis, than people who were not taking them. Is this why we have an extremely high increase in dementia?
BLADDER MEDICATIONS HAVE RECEIVED PARTICULAR ATTENTION: Drugs prescribed for overactive bladder have attracted concern, because oxybutynin and tolterodine, cross into the brain, and interfere with acetylcholine activity. A University of Nottingham study published in 2023, reported an association between the use of certain bladder anticholinergics and increased risk of dementia. I raise the question, of why these reports were not passed on, to users in 2023? This would have allowed people to make an informed decision, to continue taking these medications or not! Another important question would be, “Why, are users the long-term global trial?”
How can we trust science and doctors? This is my biggest question.
THE RISK INCREASES WITH LONG-TERM USE: Researchers’ concern is, when people take anticholinergic medicines for long periods, take higher doses or use several medicines with anticholinergic properties at the same time. So why were they prescribed for long-term use? Why are these drugs prescribed today? The combined effect of several medicines have a more significant effect, than one drug alone, particularly in older adults, who may also be taking medication for blood pressure, pain, sleep, anxiety or other chronic conditions. Who is protecting our vulnerable pensioners? I can't see doctors or science protecting them!
SIDE EFFECTS WERE OVERLOOKED: Anticholinergic medicines caused dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, difficulty urinating, dizziness, confusion and drowsiness. In older people, these effects take dignity and quality of life away. Confusion and memory difficulties are especially concerning, when they appear after a medication is started, or when the dose is increased. Medication review has been lacking.
MILLIONS MAY BE EXPOSED WITHOUT REALISING IT!: Many people do not know that a medicine they take for bladder problems, depression, allergies or another condition, has anticholinergic properties. Some may also be using over-the-counter products that contribute to their total anticholinergic burden. Because these medicines are often prescribed for common conditions, the issue is not limited to a small group of patients. It raises wider questions, about whether medication risks are being regularly reviewed, as people age, and their health needs, change.
WHAT SHOULD PATIENTS ASK THEIR DOCTOR?: Patients now have to ask, whether any of their medicines have anticholinergic effects, whether they still need each prescription, whether several medicines are contributing to their overall anticholinergic burden, and whether safer alternatives are available. But can we trust the provider to be honest? It is now necessary to ask whether symptoms such as confusion, memory problems, constipation, dizziness or excessive drowsiness could be medication related. AI is now beginning to be more useful than the doctor, for information, openness and honesty.
THE WIDER QUESTION IS, WHETHER EVERY PRESCRIPTION IS STILL NECESSARY?: As people get older, medicines that were appropriate years earlier, are often no longer the most safe and suitable choice. Regular medication reviews, help identify unnecessary prescriptions, duplicate treatments, drug interactions and medicines, whose risks often now outweigh their benefits. This is particularly important, for people taking several medications at the same time. I suggest researching all suggested medications for toxicity and side effects, in depth, prior to taking. Also research dosage, the internet often provides more information than your doctor. We must protect ourselves and our vulnerable, because doctors and science, are failing us in many ways. This does not mean everything is wrong or hidden, it just means personal due diligence is needed, now more than ever. More new drugs appear on the market daily, without large human studies or longevity of study. This is when, we the people, unknowingly become the trial.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for general information and awareness only. It is not a diagnosis or personal medical advice.
Please share this information without making any changes, to help increase awareness.
Copyright Maryjayne Aria, author of Immune Health, Terrain and GcMAF.
