6 Common Meds That May Be Linked to Dementia

Every year, there are approximately 10 million people diagnosed with dementia around the world, according to the World Health Organization. Could the medications we’re taking be putting us at risk? 

The answer is yes, according to a new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine. Let’s take a look at six common meds that may be linked to dementia. 

1. Atropine

Atropine is among the medications with suspected links to dementia. It’s used to treat bradycardia (slow heart rate), reduce bronchial secretions and saliva before surgery, or as an antidote for mushroom poisoning. Atropine may cause a rapid heart rate, worsening urinary retention, glaucoma (high eye pressure), dry mouth, dizziness, and other reactions. As an anticholinergic, it may also put people at higher risk for dementia.

2. Clidinium

Clidinium is a medication used for reducing secretions in the body’s organs, such as excess stomach acid. Those who have other stomach or bowel problems, such as severe cramping, may also use it. There are also off-label uses for the medication. Studies into dementia have specifically named this medication in association with the development of dementia.

3. Dicyclomine

Used to treat irritable bowel syndrome and its symptoms, dicyclomine is another medication that may present a potential dementia link. This medication relieves spasms in the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract by blocking a natural substance in the body. Patients take it up to four times per day to reduce and control symptoms.

4. Flavoxate

Flavoxate is a medication used to treat overactive bladder. It works by relaxing the bladder muscles to reduce frequent urination, urgency, pain and discomfort. This medication is classified as an antimuscarinic medicine. Patients generally take Flavoxate three to four times per day. It’s been included in studies that address the potential for an increased risk of dementia.

5. Fesoterodine

Like flavoxate, fesoterodine is another antimuscarinic drug used to treat overactive bladder. It relaxes bladder muscles, meaning the patient doesn’t have as much frequency or urgency in their bladder relief needs. Patients may also experience a lower amount of discomfort or pain if they take their medication regularly. Because this is in the same drug class as flavoxate and other antimuscarinic medications, it has been included in studies looking at dementia risk.

6. Methscopolamine

Users of methscopolamine are typically taking the medication as a treatment for peptic ulcer pain. This medication decreases stomach acid and relaxes muscles in the stomach and intestines. It may also slow the gut’s natural movements, which helps the body process food with less pain. As an anticholinergic medication, methscopolamine is on the list of medications that studies show may cause an increased risk of developing dementia.

It’s critical for anyone who takes anticholinergic or antimuscarinic medications to consider the risks and benefits. That consideration may be even more significant for those with a family history of dementia.

Don’t stop taking any prescribed medication without speaking to a healthcare provider first. Suddenly stopping some medications may cause serious side effects, and the benefits of the medication may outweigh the potential risks so please have a conversation with a doctor and create a plan before stopping any medication.

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