⚠️ 8 Drugs That May Affect Memory and Dementia Risk
The headline “8 drugs that cause serious dementia” is misleading. No medication can accurately be described as simply “causing dementia” based on current evidence. However, some medicines can cause confusion, memory problems, delirium, or cognitive impairment, particularly in older adults, and some medication classes have been associated with increased dementia risk. NIA+1
Eight groups worth discussing with a doctor or pharmacist are:
- Anticholinergic medications — used for some bladder problems, allergies, depression, and other conditions. Long-term exposure to strong anticholinergics has been associated with higher dementia risk. NIA
- Benzodiazepines — such as diazepam, lorazepam, and alprazolam. They can cause sedation, impaired memory, confusion, and falls, particularly in older adults. NIA
- Certain sleep medicines — some sedative medications can impair attention, memory, and coordination.
- Some first-generation antihistamines — products containing strongly anticholinergic antihistamines can cause confusion and cognitive problems in older adults. NIA
- Certain antidepressants with anticholinergic effects — particularly some older tricyclic antidepressants.
- Opioid pain medicines — can cause sedation and confusion and may contribute to delirium, especially in vulnerable older adults. NIA
- Some antipsychotic medications — can significantly affect alertness and cognition and require particular caution in older people with dementia. NIA
- Certain anticonvulsant/neurologic medicines — some can produce drowsiness or cognitive side effects, depending on the particular drug and dose.
The important distinction
A medication causing temporary confusion or memory problems isn’t the same thing as causing permanent dementia. Some cognitive symptoms can improve when the offending medication is reduced or changed under medical supervision. Other research has found associations between particular medications and future dementia risk, but association doesn’t necessarily prove that the medication itself caused the dementia. NIA
Don’t suddenly stop any prescribed medication, particularly benzodiazepines or other drugs that can cause withdrawal. Instead, ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your complete medication list and look for safer alternatives or opportunities to reduce unnecessary medicines.
For an older adult who develops sudden confusion, seek prompt medical attention—acute confusion can be delirium from infection, medication effects, dehydration, stroke, or another potentially treatable problem rather than dementia. NIA
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