⚠️ Alert: 8 Types of Medicines That Can Affect Memory and Cognition
The claim that certain drugs “cause serious dementia” is too strong. Some medicines—particularly those with anticholinergic effects or sedating properties—can cause confusion, drowsiness, and memory problems, especially in older adults. Some studies have also found an association between prolonged exposure to certain medications and a higher risk of dementia, but an association does not prove that the medicine caused dementia.
Eight medication groups worth discussing with a doctor or pharmacist are:
First-generation antihistamines
Examples include diphenhydramine and chlorpheniramine. They can have strong anticholinergic effects and may cause confusion or drowsiness.
Certain bladder-control medicines
Drugs such as oxybutynin can have anticholinergic effects that may affect cognition, particularly in older adults.
Some antidepressants
Certain older antidepressants, including amitriptyline and paroxetine, have significant anticholinergic activity.
Some medicines for Parkinson’s disease
Certain anticholinergic Parkinson’s medications can impair memory and thinking, particularly in older people.
Benzodiazepines
Medicines such as diazepam, lorazepam, and alprazolam can cause sedation, impaired memory, and confusion. Long-term use requires careful medical supervision.
Certain antipsychotic medicines
These can cause sedation and cognitive side effects and have important risks in older adults with dementia. They should only be used when clinically appropriate.
Some anti-nausea or motion-sickness medicines
Certain drugs, including scopolamine, can produce anticholinergic effects and confusion.
Some anticonvulsant medicines
Certain seizure medicines can cause sleepiness or cognitive difficulties in some people. The specific drug and dose matter considerably.
Don’t stop a medication suddenly
This is especially important with benzodiazepines, antidepressants, seizure medicines, and other long-term prescriptions. Abruptly stopping some medications can cause withdrawal symptoms or serious medical problems.
If you or a family member has developed new confusion, memory problems, excessive sleepiness, hallucinations, or personality changes after starting or increasing a medication, ask a doctor or pharmacist to review the complete medication list—including over-the-counter sleep aids and supplements.
Sometimes the problem isn’t dementia at all: medication side effects, drug interactions, dehydration, infections, or metabolic problems can cause reversible confusion.
Bottom line: There is no scientifically responsible list of “8 drugs that cause dementia.” A safer message is that some medications can impair cognition or may be associated with increased dementia risk, particularly with prolonged exposure, and medication reviews are especially important for older adults.
