Warning: 5 Daily Medications That May Increase Your Risk of Dementia
This could be a hard pill to swallow.
An unhealthy diet, chronic insomnia, obesity, and certain genetics can raise your risk of dementia, which destroys your memory, thinking skills, and capacity to do basic tasks over time.
Now, a board-certified anesthesiologist in Los Angeles is revealing five daily medications that may also increase your likelihood of developing dementia, a group of brain disorders that affects nearly 7 million Americans.
Benadryl
Benadryl is an over-the-counter antihistamine used to relieve symptoms of hay fever, allergies, and the common cold.
“If you take diphenhydramine, also known as Benadryl or Elavil, or any sort of antihistamine medication or anticholinergic for a long period of time, it has been linked to dementia,” Hasan said.
Research has shown a link between an increased risk of dementia and long-term use of Benadryl and other anticholinergic drugs that block acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter crucial for muscle contractions and important brain functions like learning and memory.
Opiates
“This is pretty common knowledge, but if you take any opiates like morphine regularly, they affect your brain,” Hasan said.
Opioids are a key component of anesthesia. One study found that the risk of developing dementia can nearly double within three to seven years of undergoing surgery where anesthesia is administered.
Omeprazole
Omeprazole, sold under brand names like Prilosec and Losec, decreases the amount of acid in the stomach to treat indigestion, heartburn, and acid reflux.
“This was a little bit surprising to me, but if you take omeprazole regularly, it can increase the amount of beta-amyloid in your brain, which can lead to dementia,” Hasan said.
Omeprazole, sold under brand names like Prilosec and Losec, decreases the amount of acid in the stomach to treat indigestion, heartburn, and acid reflux.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are central nervous system depressants used to treat anxiety, panic attacks, and sleep disorders, among other conditions.
“If you take benzodiazepines for a long period of time, it can cause dementia,” Hasan said. “It makes entire sense. It goes into your central nervous system. It numbs your entire brain. It helps with anxiety. It helps with alcohol withdrawal.”
Tricyclic Antidepressants
Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant that is used to treat depression in adults.
Tricyclic antidepressants, like Norpramin and Vivactil, are primarily used to treat severe depression but may also be prescribed off-label for chronic pain, insomnia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Like Benadryl, these antidepressants exhibit anticholinergic effects, but there’s inconsistent scientific evidence that they increase the risk of dementia.
Conclusion
If you’re taking these medications, it’s crucial to talk to your primary care doctor first before you stop anything, especially medications like opiates and benzodiazepines. Tell them you’re scared or worried about dementia in the future, especially if you’re younger and you have a lifetime of taking these medications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the 5 daily medications that may increase the risk of dementia?
A: Benadryl, Opiates, Omeprazole, Benzodiazepines, and Tricyclic Antidepressants.
Q: What is the link between Benadryl and dementia?
A: Long-term use of Benadryl and other anticholinergic drugs can increase the risk of dementia.
Q: Can Opiates increase the risk of dementia?
A: Yes, regular use of Opiates can nearly double the risk of developing dementia within three to seven years of undergoing surgery where anesthesia is administered.
Q: Are Benzodiazepines safe for long-term use?
A: No, Benzodiazepines can cause dementia when used for a long period of time.
Q: Can I stop taking these medications without consulting my doctor?
A: No, it’s crucial to talk to your primary care doctor before stopping any medication, especially medications like Opiates and Benzodiazepines.
