Alert: 8 Types of Drugs Linked to Increased Dementia Risk

6. Certain Antipsychotic Drugs

Antipsychotic medications are prescribed for various psychiatric and neurological conditions.

While these drugs can be essential for managing serious illnesses, healthcare providers often carefully monitor their use in older adults because of potential cognitive and neurological side effects.

7. Some Medications for Urinary Incontinence

Several medications used to treat bladder control problems have strong anticholinergic effects.

Because these drugs may affect brain function, experts often evaluate their risks and benefits carefully, particularly among elderly patients.

8. Some Antihistamines

Older first-generation antihistamines are known to have anticholinergic properties.

These medications are commonly used for:

• Allergies
• Cold symptoms
• Motion sickness

Frequent or long-term use may be associated with cognitive side effects, especially in older populations.

Why Medication Reviews Matter

Many people take multiple medications simultaneously, a situation known as polypharmacy.

The risk of side effects can increase when several drugs are combined, particularly when they affect the central nervous system.

Healthcare professionals often recommend regular medication reviews to:

• Eliminate unnecessary medications
• Reduce drug interactions
• Minimize cognitive side effects
• Improve overall safety

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