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Sleeping medications can therefore increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Specifically, for example, Benadryl and Piriton belong to the group of drugs that deserve attention.
Each of these drugs has so-called “anticholinergic” blocking effects on our nervous system, which, especially at higher doses of these medications, contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s disease and even other forms of dementia that have been recorded over recent years.
Other drugs that you will find on the list of similar risks are “tricyclic” antidepressants, such as Doxepin or Ditropam (oxybutynin).
Statistics
According to statistics, older people are most at risk, since these drugs are used especially for their age-related common bladder problems.
Anticholinergic drugs block the nervous system thanks to a “transmitter” that goes by the name acetylcholine. Side effects then include drowsiness, blurred vision or poor memory. It is known that people with Alzheimer’s disease suffer from a deficiency of acetylcholine.
American professor Shelly Gray stated that older people should be aware that many drugs, including those available without a prescription, have strong anticholinergic effects.
Therefore no one should practice “self-medication” and prescribe drugs at their own discretion; instead, everyone should consult a specialist about their health problem.
At the same time, healthcare providers should regularly check their patients’ medication regimens, including over-the-counter drugs offered on the market.
Ongoing research is revealing ever-new potential risks of the mentioned drugs, and even of hay fever medicines and other medications that seemingly make our lives easier.
Not only the at-risk group of seniors
However, it is not only the at-risk group of seniors. Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease also affect younger age groups. Statistics speak of a 54% increase in dementia in recent years, and a 64% increase in recorded Alzheimer’s disease in our population.
This effectively shows that people are taking at least 10 mg of doxepin daily, 4 mg of diphenhydramine (Nytol, Benadryl) or 5 mg of oxybutynin (Ditropan).
