Increasing the risk of dementia

Shinjini Saha, INN/Gwalior, @Infodeaofficial 

Are you using anticholinergic drugs like Darifenacin, Scopolamine, Ipratromium, Benadryl and Paroxetene? It is better to give a second thought over using them. 

These drugs are prescribed by doctors for health issues like Parkinson’s disease, depression and bladder problems. But using them frequently does not appear to spell good.

Studies indicate that frequent use of these anticholinergics can increase the chances of incurring dementia. These drugs work by inhibiting the acetylcholine which acts as a chemical messenger. They work effectively to help relax or contract muscles to treat symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and Gastrointestinal problems.

But studies indicate that people aged 55 or more who have taken regular strong anticholinergics dose, have higher risk of developing dementia within them.

An eminent researcher Professor Carol Coupland and team analyzed the medical records of 58,769 people with dementia. Also, research by scientists from the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom analyzed the link between these drugs and the risk of dementia.

When prescribing certain drugs that have specifically anticholinergics along with antidepressants and antipsychotic properties in it, doctors should be careful enough. 

Before any treatment of such above-said disease, patients should also be careful and be well awared about the pros and cons of the treatment they are going to receive.

Alternative treatments should be considered wherever possible by healthcare professionals that minimize the risk of this type of medication.