Millions of people rely on over-the-counter medications for everyday relief, from headaches to allergies and minor aches. However, new research suggests that some widely used medications may have unintended consequences for long-term brain health.
Scientists have identified a potential link between certain common medications and an increased risk of dementia, raising concerns about their long-term effects. As researchers continue to investigate, experts are urging consumers to stay informed and consider the potential risks before reaching for these familiar remedies.
A Harvard University expert has sounded the alarm, urging those with allergies to consider alternatives to antihistamines. Dr Anthony L Komaroff, a seasoned family doctor and editor-in-chief of the Harvard Health Letter, has highlighted studies that suggest these popular medications could interfere with a protective chemical in the brain that helps ward off dementia.
He said the concern stems from the fact that many antihistamines are also anticholinergics, a class of drugs that block the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in learning and memory. While this action can reduce allergic symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, and itchy eyes, it may also lead to lower levels of acetylcholine, which have been associated with cognitive decline.
Dr Komaroff advises caution, stating, ‘I weigh the symptom relief they give me against the possibility that they may slightly increase my risk of developing dementia.’
He suggests exploring other medications that might offer symptom relief without the theoretical risk and emphasises using the lowest effective dose.
Research supporting the potential link between antihistamines and dementia includes a 2015 study that tracked the brain health of participants over 65 years old for nearly two decades. The study found a correlation between higher doses of anticholinergics and the development of dementia.
More recently, a 2024 study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, which utilised data from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database, also indicated a dose-dependent increase in dementia risk among users of antihistamines.
It’s not just hay fever medications that fall under the anticholinergic umbrella. Other commonly taken medications, including some for sleep disturbances, urinary incontinence, nausea, muscle tension, and Parkinson’s disease, also have anticholinergic properties.
In December, a British study involving over a million people found that taking anticholinergic drugs was linked to an 18 per cent increased risk of a dementia diagnosis, with men being slightly more vulnerable than women.
Dementia, a term that encompasses a range of cognitive decline conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia, is a growing concern globally. According to Health Direct, approximately 1 in 12 Australians aged 65 and over are living with dementia.
Early symptoms of dementia include memory problems, difficulties with thinking and reasoning, and language issues, which progressively worsen over time.
For our readers over 50, who may be more susceptible to both allergies and cognitive decline, it’s essential to stay informed about the medications you take. If you’re concerned about the use of antihistamines and their potential risks, consult with your healthcare provider to discuss alternative treatments and strategies for managing allergies.
It’s also worth considering lifestyle changes that can support brain health, such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and mental stimulation.
We invite you to share your experiences and thoughts on this topic in the comments below. Have you noticed a change in cognitive function with long-term use of antihistamines? What alternatives have you found effective for managing allergy symptoms? Your insights could be invaluable to others in the YourLifeChoices community seeking to make informed health decisions.
Also read: 5 early dementia warning signs that may be written on your face
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What a useless article. No generic names given. Not all antihistamines are anticholinergic.