Blood Pressure Drugs and Brain Health
Many people take common medications to help with allergies, colds, high blood pressure, or depression, known as anticholinergic medications, which have been used for many years and are often considered safe.
However, a new study from the University of California, San Diego, found that these medications may increase the risk of memory and thinking problems, especially in older adults and people at risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
- The study involved 688 older adults with an average age of 74.
- At the beginning of the study, none of them showed signs of memory or thinking issues.
- Over the next 10 years, the researchers tracked which participants used anticholinergic medications and how often they took them.
- About one-third of the people in the study were taking these drugs, with some using up to five different types.
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Author's summary: Blood pressure drugs may harm brain health in older adults.