Study: Popular Allergy, Insomnia Drugs Linked to Dementia, Alzheimer’s

Some drugs commonly used to treat hay fever, insomnia and depression have been linked to a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, a new study reports. Drugs linked to dementia now include common anticholinergic drugs. This can lead to many side effects, including drowsiness, constipation, retaining urine and dry mouth and eyes. (S1)

How do these drugs work?

All of the medications are known to block a brain chemical called acetylcholine, which transmits nerve signals throughout the brain and nervous system. The drugs are known as “anticholinergic agents” and are commonly taken for disorders ranging …read more