January 26, 2015

News release: Higher dementia risk linked to more use of common drugs

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A large study links a significantly increased risk for developing dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, to taking commonly used medications with anticholinergic effects at higher doses or for a longer time. Many older people take these medications, which include nonprescription diphenhydramine (Benadryl). JAMA Internal Medicine published the report, called “Cumulative Use of Strong Anticholinergics and Incident Dementia.”

Read the full news release in Recent News