In This Episode:
Dr. K explains what older adults and families should know about anticholinergic medications and their negative impact on brain health. Many commonly used over-the-counter and prescription medications are anticholinergic, and on the Beer’s List of Medications Older Adults Should Avoid or Use With Caution. She covers:
- What it means for a medication to be anticholinergic
- The evidence linking anticholinergics with confusion, delirium, and dementia
- Seven commonly used types of medication that are quite anticholinergic
- Why it’s important to minimize anticholinergics if you’re worried about memory or have been diagnosed dementia
- How you can determine whether you or your parent’s medications are anticholinergic
- What to do, if you or an older person you care for is taking an anticholinergic medication
