Medications and Memory for Seniors

We have touched on the topic of dementia before, and you can read that post here.
Today, I wanted to share something I recently learned about that's quite relevant to us in our retirement years. It's about how some of the medications we take might be linked to memory issues. Interesting, right? Let's explore this a bit.

About Those Common Medications

You know those medications we take for various reasons, like mood, bladder issues, or allergies? They're often called anticholinergics. These drugs block a chemical in our brain that's important for memory and learning.

What Research Suggests

There's this study I read about that's quite eye-opening. It suggests that taking strong anticholinergic drugs for more than three years could increase our risk of dementia by nearly 50%. That's quite significant. And it's not just anticholinergics – some sleep aids and heart medications are also being looked at.

But, Let's Not Jump to Conclusions

Now, this doesn't mean we should immediately stop taking these medications. It's crucial to remember that not all of them pose a risk, and discontinuing any medication without a doctor's advice can be risky. It's about finding the right balance.

Steps We Can Take

Regular Doctor Visits: It's a good idea to discuss our medications with our doctor regularly. A little check-up for our prescriptions, you could say.

Exploring Alternatives: If we're concerned about a particular medication, it's worth asking if there's a safer alternative.

Monitoring Ourselves: Paying attention to changes in our memory or cognitive abilities is important. If there's a noticeable shift, it's something to bring up with our doctor.

Keeping Our Minds Active: Besides medication management, engaging in activities that stimulate our brain is always a good idea.

Here's A List of Common Medications that May Affect You

Here's a list of common types of medications that have been linked in some studies to an increased risk of dementia in seniors:

• Anticholinergics:Certain Antidepressants (e.g., Amitriptyline, Paroxetine)
• Antipsychotics (e.g., Olanzapine, Chlorpromazine)
• Antiparkinson drugs (e.g., Trihexyphenidyl, Benztropine)
• Overactive bladder medications (e.g., Oxybutynin, Tolterodine)
• Antihistamines (e.g., Diphenhydramine, Chlorpheniramine)
• Benzodiazepines:Used for anxiety and insomnia (e.g., Diazepam, Lorazepam, Temazepam)
• Non-Benzodiazepine Sleep Aids:Also known as “Z-drugs” (e.g., Zolpidem, Zopiclone)
• Antiepileptics:Used for seizure disorders (e.g., Phenytoin, Valproate)
• Antihypertensives:Certain blood pressure medications (though the link is less clear and more research is needed)
• First-Generation Antihistamines:Older allergy medications (e.g., Brompheniramine, Doxylamine)
• Tricyclic Antidepressants:Older class of antidepressants (e.g., Doxepin, Imipramine)
• Some Muscle Relaxants:Used for muscle spasms (e.g., Cyclobenzaprine)

It's important to note that this list does not imply that these medications should be stopped or avoided entirely. Many of these drugs play a crucial role in managing health conditions. The potential risk of dementia should be weighed against the benefits these medications provide, and any concerns should be discussed with a healthcare provider. They can offer guidance on the risks and benefits of specific medications and explore possible alternatives if necessary.

It's quite fascinating how medications can impact our health in various ways. Staying informed and having open discussions with our healthcare providers is key. And of course, let's keep an eye on each other too. If you notice anything unusual, don'tthe risks and benefits of specific medications and explore possible alternatives if necessary. hesitate to point it out – I'll do the same for you. It's all part of looking out for each other as we enjoy these years.

Resources:

A List of Drugs Linked to Dementia Risk 

Two types of drugs you may want to avoid for the sake of your brain 

Which Common Medications Are Linked to Dementia?

Understanding the Risks of Dementia in Our Golden Years

As we age there are two words that can strike fear in the hearts of any senior and those two words are DEMENTIA and ALZHEIMERS. Not one person alive, old or young, wants to consider the thought that they may get lost in their own minds and be unreachable even as their bodies remain firmly in need of care. This thought can make your blood run cold, and will turn your legs into jello. I am not trying to be a Debbie Downer here, but the truth is that there are a few things you can be doing right now to hopefully stave off either of these two conditions.

We have been talking about ways to mitigate these two conditions almost from the beginning of this blog.  We always talk about exercise, mental stimulation, staying social, learning new things, practicing gratitude, being mindful and other various ways to improve our lives as we age.  It should not surprise you that these interventions are also the way to stay mentally healthy. You can read older blog posts about this topic here.

Retirement means freedom and time to do the things we put off due to family and time issues while working. However, the risk of developing dementia, a broad term that encompasses various cognitive impairments, including Alzheimer's disease, significantly impacts the elderly population. Today let's examine the risks associated with dementia as we age and discuss ways to mitigate these risks.

The Growing Concern

Dementia is not a normal part of aging, but the risk of developing dementia increases as we get older. According to the World Health Organization, around 50 million people worldwide have dementia, with nearly 10 million new cases every year. Most of these individuals are over the age of 65. This statistic is a stark reminder of the importance of understanding and preparing for the potential risks as we age.

Risk Factors for Dementia

Several factors can increase the risk of developing dementia. Some of these are modifiable, while others are not. 

Key risk factors include:

• Age: The most significant risk factor for dementia is age, particularly after 65 years.
• Genetics: Family history plays a role, especially in cases of early-onset dementia.
• Lifestyle and Heart Health: Poor heart health due to factors like hypertension, high cholesterol, obesity, and diabetes can increase dementia risk.
• Brain Injuries: Severe head trauma may increase the risk of certain types of dementia.
• Mental Health: Depression and prolonged stress might contribute to the risk of dementia.

Reducing the Risk

While we cannot change factors like age and genetics, there are several ways to reduce the risk of dementia:

• Stay Physically Active: Regular physical activity helps maintain good blood flow to the brain and encourages new brain cells.
• Eat a Healthy Diet: Diets like the Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, can support brain health.
• Mental Stimulation: Engaging in activities that challenge your brain, like puzzles, reading, and learning new skills, can build brain resilience.
• Social Engagement: Staying socially active can protect against dementia by reducing stress levels and maintaining emotional health.
• Regular Health Check-ups: Managing heart health and mental health can significantly reduce dementia risk.

Early Signs and Seeking Help

Recognizing the early signs of dementia is crucial. These can include memory loss that disrupts daily life, challenges in planning or solving problems, difficulty completing familiar tasks, confusion with time or place, and changes in mood and personality. If you or a loved one experiences these symptoms, it's important to consult a healthcare professional.


As we cherish our retirement years, being mindful of our cognitive health is as important as taking care of our physical well-being. By understanding the risks associated with dementia and taking proactive steps to mitigate these risks, we can aim for not just a longer life but a fuller, more vibrant one.

Remember, aging is an inevitable journey, but how we age is something we can influence. Let's embrace these years with awareness and grace, ensuring our minds stay as active and healthy as our bodies.