NEW YORK: Common allergy drugs used to treat flu, hay fever and colds may increase the risk of dementia. The drugs classified as anticholinergics are popular over-the-counter-medications that could result in side effects that could cause cognitive impairment.
A study conducted by Indiana University School of Medicine scientists looked at popular anticholinergic drugs. These medicines include anti-vertigo drugs, muscle relaxants, sleeping aides, antihistamines, anti-psychotics and cardiovascular and gastrointestinal drugs, including popular allergy drug brands include Paxil, Benadryl, Advil PM, Dimetapp, Unisom, Vesicare, Demerol and Dramamine.
Scientists looked at brain scans and cognitive exam results of more than 400 elderly adults including those who have been taking anticholinergic drugs for 4 weeks. The participants have no cognitive impairment conditions including dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
They found in their study that those who used anticholinergic drugs had lower brain activity in the memory region…