Posted on 04/25/2016 4:32:09 AM PDT by BenLurkin
A new study, published Monday, offers the most definite proof yet of what scientists have known for at least a decade: that anticholinergic drugs (PDF) are linked with cognitive impairment and an increased risk of dementia.
Though you may have never heard of this class of drug, you've certainly heard of the medications themselves, including Benadryl, Demerol, Dimetapp, Dramamine, Unisom and VESIcare. They are sold over the counter and by prescription as sleep aids and for chronic diseases including hypertension, cardiovascular disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
The new study is the first to examine the physical changes that serve as the catalyst for cognitive decline. Using brain imaging techniques, researchers at the Indiana University School of Medicine found (PDF) lower metabolism and reduced brain sizes among study participants taking anticholinergic drugs.
"These findings provide us with a much better understanding of how this class of drugs may act upon the brain in ways that might raise the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia," said Shannon Risacher, an assistant professor of radiology and imaging sciences.
The study looked at 451 people, with an average age of 73. Sixty of them were taking at least one medication with medium or high anticholinergic activity. To identify physical and physiological changes that could be associated with the reported effects, researchers assessed the results of memory and cognitive tests; PET scans, to measure brain metabolism; and MRI scans, to assess brain structure.
The cognitive tests revealed that people taking anticholinergic drugs performed worse on short-term memory tests and some tests of executive function, including verbal reasoning, planning and problem-solving.
(Excerpt) Read more at news4jax.com ...
And Advil (ibuprofen) can cause kidney failure. Choose your poison.
"...including Benadryl..."
FWIW: The active ingredient in a single adult dose Benadryl, Diphenhydramine HCI is the same active ingredient in ZzzQuil, a nighttime sleep aid.
Here is an excellent twice-weekly FREE newsletter that tells you a lot of valuable information about prescription medications. I highly recommend it. It’s very interesting how many prescription medications should NOT be taken together. Doctors are generally clueless about the medications they’re prescribing. It’s more about whatever kickbacks he or she is getting and how fast he or she can get you out their door. Then there’s side effects they say aren’t due to the drugs they have you on.
http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/
If you want to know about side effects, go to this website:
Mother had seven scripts, I’ve got ten, for COPD + BP. SMH...
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One dose of Naprosyn (Naproxen) killed my mom’s kidneys DEAD!
She wanted Naprosyn for her arthritis, the doctor was worried it may affect her kidneys, she still insisted on trying.
I do not use anything with Naprosyn or naproxen in it.
Yeah, I laughed at that too.
I take herbs and supplements. Zero prescription meds.
later
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