Alert! 8 Drug Groups That Can Affect Memory and Thinking
The claim that “8 drugs cause serious dementia” is misleading. Some medications can cause confusion, delirium, sedation, or memory problems, and some long-term medication exposures have been associated with dementia risk. That doesn’t mean they inevitably cause dementia or permanent brain damage.
Eight groups that are particularly worth reviewing with a healthcare professional, especially in older adults, are:
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Strong anticholinergic medicines — Some antihistamines, antidepressants, bladder medicines, and other drugs can impair memory and thinking.
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Benzodiazepines — Such as diazepam, lorazepam, and alprazolam. They can cause sedation and memory impairment, and long-term use has been associated with cognitive risks.
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“Z-drug” sleeping medicines — Zolpidem and related drugs can cause confusion, impaired alertness, and falls.
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First-generation antihistamines — Diphenhydramine and similar medicines have significant anticholinergic effects.
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Tricyclic antidepressants — Amitriptyline and related drugs can cause anticholinergic side effects, particularly in older adults.
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Some bladder antimuscarinics — Oxybutynin and related medications can affect cognition in susceptible people.
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Certain antipsychotic medicines — They require special caution in people who already have dementia because of increased risks of stroke and mortality, although they can be appropriate for particular medical conditions.
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Multiple sedating or anticholinergic medicines taken together — The combined effect can increase confusion and other adverse effects.
Don’t stop medication on your own
A medication associated with cognitive problems may still be the right treatment for a particular person. Stopping some drugs suddenly can itself be dangerous.
If an older adult develops new confusion, hallucinations, unusual sleepiness, or a significant change in memory or behavior, a doctor or pharmacist should review all prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, and supplements.
One especially important point: sudden confusion is not necessarily dementia. Delirium can develop rapidly because of an infection, medication effect, stroke, metabolic problem, or another acute illness and needs prompt medical assessment.
