Long-term use of some anticholinergic medications are associated with an increased risk of dementia – according to a new study led by the University of East Anglia.
Anticholinergic antidepressants have been found to be linked with dementia, even when taken up to 20 years before a diagnosis. Examples of frequently-prescribed anticholinergic antidepressants include Amitriptyline, Dosulepin and Paroxetine.
The research, funded by Alzheimer’s Society and published today in the BMJ, also shows a dementia risk associated with medications prescribed for bladder conditions (for example Tolterodine, Oxybutynin and Solifenacin), and Parkinson’s (for example Procyclidine).
Patients with concerns should continue taking their medicines until they have consulted their doctor or pharmacist.
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