Long-term use of Benadryl, an anticholinergic medication, may increase risks of mobility decline and dementia in older adults, prompting experts to advise caution especially for those taking it regularly over many years.
A study warns that long-term use of certain commonly prescribed anticholinergic drugs for conditions like bladder issues, Parkinson's, and depression may increase the risk of dementia, especially in people over 55. Healthcare professionals are advised to consider these risks when prescribing and to review medications regularly, but patients should not stop their medications without consulting their doctors.
A study by the University of Nottingham warns that long-term use of certain anticholinergic drugs, commonly prescribed for conditions like bladder issues and Parkinson's disease, may increase the risk of dementia by nearly 50% in patients over 55. The research, supported by the National Institute for Health Research, highlights the need for caution in prescribing these medications, particularly to middle-aged and elderly individuals. While the study emphasizes the potential risks, it also advises against abruptly stopping these drugs without consulting a healthcare provider.