💊 2. Anticholinergic Drugs (High Concern)
Anticholinergic Drugs (High Concern)
Used for: Overactive bladder, allergies, depression, Parkinson’s disease, COPD
What Research Suggests
Studies suggest the risk may increase with longer use:
1–89 days: approximately 10% higher risk
1–3 years: approximately 49% higher risk
More than 3 years: approximately 66% higher risk
Common Examples
Oxybutynin
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
Amitriptyline
Nortriptyline
Hydroxyzine
Cyclobenzaprine
What to Do
Request a medication review with your healthcare provider. In many cases, safer alternatives may be available.
😴 3. Sleep Medications
Used for: InsomniaTrack Sleep
What Research Suggests
Frequent use of certain sleep aids has
been associated with a higher risk of dementia in some studies.
Examples
Diphenhydramine
Doxylamine
Zolpidem (Ambien)
Benzodiazepines
Trazodone
What to Do
Consider non-drug approaches first, such as:
Improved sleep hygiene
Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I)
Stress reductiontechniques
💔 4. Certain Antidepressants
Used for: Depression, anxiety, nerve painSave on Rx
Higher-Risk Examples
(typically due to stronger anticholinergic effects)
Amitriptyline
Nortriptyline
Paroxetine
Doxepin
Lower-Risk Options
Sertraline
Citalopram
Escitalopram
What to Do
Do not stop antidepressants abruptly. Speak with your doctor before making any medication changes.
