Common OTC Anticholinergic Drugs Used to Treat Asthma and Depression Can Lead to Brain Damage

Studies reveal that some of the common anticholinergic drugs can lethally damage the human brain. Benadryl and Dimetapp are over the counter drugs which can cause dementia, cognitive impairment and brain damage.

The study published in JAMA Internal Medicine pointed out that there is a strong correlation between anticholinergics and dementia. According to the previous studies, it was revealed that older adults who are taking prescription drugs such as oxybutynin and doxepin are more likely to suffer from dementia. Though the study focused on the correlation of anticholinergic drugs to dementia, it was not yet firmly established.

Another study published in IUSM Newsroom mentioned that the researchers from Indiana University were able to physically link several common anticholinergic drugs, which includes several over the counter prescriptions. These drugs are said to cause dementia. The brain scans revealed that those who were taking the anticholinergic drugs were able to display smaller brains.

"These findings provide us with a much better understanding of how this class of drugs may act upon the brain in ways that might raise the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia," study author Shannon Risacher said through her press release. "Given all the research evidence, physicians might want to consider alternatives to anticholinergic medications if available when working with their older patients."

A total average of 451 people who took part of the study was 73. The researchers used a variety of memory tests paired with brain scans to point out the specific metal damage. Aside from the brain size reduction as displayed on the brain scans, brain function was also affected. PET scans were used to determine he participant's brain metabolism. It was revealed that individuals who partake at least one anticholinergic drug possessed lower brain metabolism.