Hyderabad: Prolonged use of drugs prescribed for depression, asthma and allergies by patients is leading to early onset of dementia according to research published in JAMA Neurology. The study evaluated anticholinergics which work by blocking the brain chemical acetylcholine which is crucial for memory.
The researchers said it was the first study on how the chemicals in these drugs affect the brain and memory. It studied 500 patients in the 45-70 age group. They respondents were followed up for three years.
Drugs like antidepressant paroxetine, allergy drug diphenhydramine and motion sickness remedy dimenhydrinate were found to have an effect on memory. The research said whether these chemicals were the cause for the effects on memory needs to be established.
Dr R. Krishna, senior neurologist from Osmania General Hospital, said, “We have noticed that abuse of prescription drugs is leading to early onset of dementia. But it can’t be pinned only on the medications. Lifestyle factors can also affect the functioning of the brain. Dementia is a combination of factors and it can’t be pointed to one set of medicines. They may have a role to play but can’t be the only one.”
