2023-06-18 16:29:35
One of these factors is certain medications that we regularly use to treat various illnesses. Anticholinergic drugs, prescribed for conditions such as depression, urinary incontinence and seasonal allergies, have been linked to an increased risk of developing this devastating disease, especially in older people.
Anticholinergic drugs and their role
Anticholinergic drugs are drugs that inhibit acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter crucial for the functioning of the nervous system. These medications are commonly prescribed to treat a variety of conditions, including urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), seasonal allergies, and depression. However, these drugs have been shown to increase the risk of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, in older people.
Link between anticholinergics and Alzheimer’s disease
Recent research from the University of California, San Diego has linked the use of anticholinergics to the development of mild cognitive impairment, which can progress to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. This link is particularly strong in people with biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease in their cerebrospinal fluid, as well as in those with an increased genetic risk of developing the disease.
Interaction between anticholinergics and Alzheimer’s biomarkers
This interaction between anticholinergic drugs and biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease occurs in two ways. First, Alzheimer’s disease biomarkers indicate that degeneration begins in a small region of the brain called the basal forebrain, which produces acetylcholine. Second, anticholinergic drugs further reduce brain acetylcholine stores. This combined effect has a significant impact on the thinking and memory of individuals.
Increased risk of cognitive impairment
In the study conducted by the University of California, 688 people with an average age of 74 were examined. At the start of the study, none of the participants showed signs of cognitive or memory problems. A third of them were taking at least one type of anticholinergic drug. It was found that those who took these drugs had a 47% increased risk of mild cognitive impairment compared to those who did not.
Increased risk in genetically predisposed individuals
This risk was even higher in people who were genetically predisposed to developing Alzheimer’s disease. Indeed, those taking anticholinergics who were genetically at risk were more than 2.5 times more likely to develop mild cognitive impairment than those who were not taking medication and who were not genetically at risk.
Increased risk in people with biomarkers of Alzheimer’s
Additionally, participants who had Alzheimer’s biomarkers in their cerebrospinal fluid at the start of the study and who were taking anticholinergics were almost 5 times more likely to develop signs of mild cognitive impairment.
It is clear that the use of anticholinergic drugs may be linked to an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. This is an important finding that requires careful attention from healthcare professionals and patients. However, it is important to note that these results do not mean that people should stop taking these drugs. Instead, they should discuss their concerns with their doctors, who can suggest safer alternatives if needed.
Source
For more information, you can consult the study published in the journal Neurology.
https://n.neurology.org/content/early/2020/09/02/WNL.0000000000010643
* Presse Santé strives to transmit health knowledge in a language accessible to all. In NO CASE, the information given can not replace the opinion of a health professional.
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