7 Medications That May Affect Memory and Brain Function: What Older Adults Should Know

associated with memory problems.

Some medication-related cognitive effects are temporary and improve after a clinician adjusts treatment. Others may be more serious, especially in people who are older, medically vulnerable, or taking multiple medications.

 

Here are seven medication groups worth discussing with a healthcare professional.

  1. Anticholinergic Medications
    Anticholinergic medicines block the action of acetylcholine, a chemical messenger involved in memory, attention, and other brain functions.

Some medications with anticholinergic effects are used for:

Overactive bladder
Allergies
Motion sickness
Certain digestive problems
Depression
Some neurological conditions
Examples include oxybutynin, diphenhydramine, and certain older antidepressants.

 

These medications can sometimes cause:

Drowsiness
Difficulty

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