DO PILLS MAKE YOU FORGETFUL?

WE RARELY think about a drug’s side-effects. But some common prescription drugs are known to trigger symptoms which can mimic dementia.

The older we get, the more likely we are to take antidepressants, antibiotics, statins, opioids, benzodiazepines (for anxiety and sleep), blood pressure pills and steroids.

As we age, our body metabolises medicines less efficiently, allowing drug levels to build and cause memory glitches.

And anticholinergics are being scrutinised by dementia experts. The drugs block the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which stimulates muscle contractions, making them useful for treating Parkinson’s, gastro-intestinal illness, incontinence, epilepsy and allergy.

Acetylcholine has a role in learning and memory and there are fears it could raise your dementia risk. A 2019 study found that over-65s on anticholinergics long-term had a 54% higher dementia risk than those taking them short-term.

If you are taking one, talk to your doctor about the risks.