[Pills (medicine). Photo Credit to libreshot]

A long-term study led by researchers at the University of Washington in partnership with  Group Health revealed evidence that prolonged use of a common type over-the-counter (OTC) drugs increases the risk of developing dementia.

The research focuses primarily on a class of medications known as anticholinergic drugs, which have become household staples for treating various ailments.

Anticholinergic drugs are widely used to treat a wide variety of conditions, from motion sickness and overactive bladder to depression and insomnia.

These medications work by counteracting the effects of acetylcholine, a chemical messenger that can cause symptoms when present in excess.

Under normal circumstances, acetylcholine serves as a crucial neurotransmitter responsible for memory, learning, muscle activity, and many involuntary functions such as digestion and urination.

Anticholinergic drugs alleviate symptoms by blocking the action of acetylcholine.

Among the most recognizable anticholinergic drugs is diphenhydramine, the active ingredient in popular over-the-counter medications like Benadryl for allergy treatment and Tylenol PM, ZzzQuil, and Sominex for sleep aid.

These products are readily available at pharmacies, supermarkets, and convenience stores, typically without clear warnings about potential risks associated with long-term use. 

However, a growing body of research now links these medications to serious cognitive risks, especially with long-term or high-dose use.

A comprehensive 10-year study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that older adults who took anticholinergic drugs daily for more than three years had a 54% higher risk of developing dementia, when compared to those who took the drugs for shorter periods or not at all.

This elevated risk stems from the way anticholinergics suppress acetylcholine.

Since acetylcholine plays a central role in memory and brain function, blocking it over extended periods may contribute to declining cognitive abilities, memory loss, and even dementia.

Furthermore, long-term use of these drugs is associated with a range of additional health issues including daytime sleepiness, confusion, slower reaction times, urinary retention, and an increased risk of falls in older adults.

Even short-term memory impairment has been documented after brief use in some studies.

Despite these findings, anticholinergic drugs remain widely available on store shelves.

This continued availability is partly because they were approved decades ago, long before today’s stricter drug safety standards, and have since become household staples.

Moreover, while the labels typically recommend short-term use, many consumers take them regularly for months or even years.

Fortunately, safer alternatives are available.

For allergy relief, second-generation antihistamines such as loratadine (found in Claritin), cetirizine (in Zyrtec), and fexofenadine (in Allegra) are much less likely to affect the brain.

These medications do not cross the blood-brain barrier as easily, thereby reducing the risk of cognitive side effects.

For sleep problems, health experts recommend considering melatonin, a natural hormone supplement, or non-drug solutions such as improved sleep hygiene and cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I).

In light of this research, medical professionals urge consumers, especially older adults, to be cautious with these common drugs.

It is highly recommended for individuals who regularly use these medications should consult with a healthcare provider to explore safer alternatives.

The findings emphasize the complexity of pharmaceutical safety and highlight the importance of ongoing research into medications that have long been considered routine and harmless.