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Common Anticholinergic Medications Linked to Higher Dementia Risk (Benadryl, Sleep Aids, Bladder Drugs)

Family doctor Adrian explains that anticholinergic medications—commonly used for allergies, sleep, anxiety, bladder control, nausea, and more—block acetylcholine, a key brain chemical for memory and learning, and long-term use has been linked in multiple large studies to higher dementia risk. He highlights common examples including diphenhydramine (Benadryl and many OTC sleep aids like Nytol/Unisom), hydroxyzine, oxybutynin, and older antidepressants like amitriptyline, noting risk is highest with higher dose, longer duration (including 3+ months), and especially when multiple anticholinergics are combined. Older adults (over 60) and those with memory concerns or family history may be most at risk. He advises not stopping prescriptions abruptly, reviewing all prescription and OTC products, asking a pharmacist to assess overall anticholinergic exposure, and discussing lower-risk alternatives with a doctor.

00:00 Hidden Dementia Risk

01:00 How Anticholinergics Work

02:18 Common Drugs Involved

03:26 Stacking Raises Risk

04:26 What Studies Show

05:40 Who Is Most Vulnerable

06:42 What To Do Next

07:29 Big Picture Brain Health

08:45 Pharmacist Conversation

08:56 Wrap Up

Dmochowski, R. R., Thai, S., Iglay, K., Enemchukwu, E., Tee, S., Varano, S., Girman, C., Radican, L., Mudd, P. N., & Poole, C. (2021). Increased risk of incident dementia following use of anticholinergic agents: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis. *Neurourology and Urodynamics*, *40*(1), 28–37. https://doi.org/10.1002/nau.24536

Pieper, N. T., Grossi, C. M., Chan, W.-Y., Loke, Y. K., Savva, G. M., Haroulis, C., Steel, N., Fox, C., Maidment, I. D., Arthur, A. J., Myint, P. K., Smith, T. O., Robinson, L., Matthews, F. E., Brayne, C., & Richardson, K. (2020). Anticholinergic drugs and incident dementia, mild cognitive impairment and cognitive decline: A meta-analysis. *Age and Ageing*, *49*(6), 939–947. https://doi.org/10.1093/ageing/afaa090

Zheng, Y.-B., Shi, L., Zhu, X.-M., Bao, Y.-P., Bai, L.-J., Li, J.-Q., Liu, J.-J., Han, Y., Shi, J., & Lu, L. (2021). Anticholinergic drugs and the risk of dementia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. *Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews*, *127*, 296–306. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.04.031

**This video is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have seen or heard in this content. Dr. Adrian Laurence provides general health information and does not establish a doctor–patient relationship through this video or any related content.**

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