Medications that cause memory problems

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Medications That Cause Memory Problems

Antiepileptic Drugs and Memory Impairment

Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are known to affect cognitive functions, including memory. The impact is more pronounced in patients with intractable epilepsy who are on higher doses and polytherapy. In contrast, newly diagnosed patients or those on monotherapy show fewer cognitive effects. The observed memory impairments may often be secondary to changes in attentional levels or mental processing speed .

Anticholinergic Medications and Cognitive Decline

Anticholinergic (AC) medications are strongly associated with cognitive impairment and an increased risk of dementia. Studies have shown that older adults using AC medications exhibit lower cognitive scores, reduced brain metabolism, and increased brain atrophy compared to those not using these medications. These findings suggest that AC medications should be avoided in older adults if alternative treatments are available 26.

Broad Spectrum of Medications Affecting Memory

A wide variety of medications can impair memory, including:

Anticholinergics: Known for their significant impact on memory and cognitive functions.
Antidepressants: Can cause memory issues, particularly in older adults.
Antihistamines: Often lead to drowsiness and memory problems.
Antipsychotics: Associated with cognitive decline.
Benzodiazepines: Widely recognized for causing memory impairment.
Anticonvulsants: Used for seizure control but can impair memory.
Opioids: Known to cause drowsiness and memory issues.
Muscle Relaxants: Can lead to cognitive impairment.
Sleeping Medications: Often result in memory problems 3910.

Drug-Induced Dementia

Certain medications can lead to drug-induced dementia. Benzodiazepines, antihypertensives, and drugs with anticholinergic properties are frequently implicated. These drugs can impair cognition through various mechanisms, including metabolic effects, immunological changes within the CNS, and interference with synaptic transmission. Preventive measures include minimizing the number of prescribed drugs, using shorter-acting preparations, and regularly evaluating renal and hepatic function .

Medications in Dementia Patients

People with dementia are particularly vulnerable to medication-related problems due to their progressive cognitive decline and high sensitivity to the cognitive effects of medications. Studies indicate a high prevalence of medication-related issues in this group, often leading to hospital admissions. Effective medication management is crucial to mitigate these risks .

Conclusion

Memory impairment can be a side effect of various medications, particularly antiepileptic drugs, anticholinergics, and benzodiazepines. Older adults and individuals with dementia are especially susceptible to these effects. Careful management and consideration of alternative treatments are essential to minimize the cognitive impact of these medications.

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Most relevant research papers on this topic

Antiepileptic Drugs and Memory

Antiepileptic drugs may have memory effects, but these effects may be secondary to changes in attention or mental processing speed.

Highly Cited

1992·

85citations

·P. Thompson

Association Between Anticholinergic Medication Use and Cognition, Brain Metabolism, and Brain Atrophy in Cognitively Normal Older Adults.

Anticholinergic medication use is associated with lower cognitive scores and increased brain atrophy in cognitively normal older adults.

Observational StudyVery Rigorous JournalHighly Cited

2016·

272citations

·S. Risacher et al.

Which medications can worsen thinking, memory, behavior, or function?

Identify medications that may cause memory impairment, drowsiness, and confusion, and discuss with their doctor.

2021·

0citations

·A. Budson et al.

A narrative review of problems with medicines use in people with dementia

Medication-related problems are highly prevalent in people with dementia, leading to common hospitalizations, emphasizing the need for effective medication management services.

Systematic Review

2018·

27citations

·Tesfahun C. Eshetie et al.

Drug-Induced Dementia

Minimizing drug prescriptions, using shorter-acting preparations, avoiding agents that cross the blood-brain barrier, and assessing cognitive function before treatment can help prevent drug-induced dementia.

1994·

69citations

·J. Starr et al.

Pharmacotherapies for Alzheimer's disease: beyond cholinesterase inhibitors.

Novel Alzheimer's disease treatments are urgently needed, beyond cholinesterase inhibitors and NMDA antagonists, to delay disease onset and slow its progression.

Highly Cited

2012·

223citations

·H. Tayeb et al.

Increased anticholinergic medication use in middle‐aged and older autistic adults and its associations with self‐reported memory difficulties and cognitive decline

Increased anticholinergic medication use in middle-aged and older autistic adults is associated with self-reported memory difficulties and cognitive decline 2 years later.

Observational Study

2023·

3citations

·G. McQuaid et al.

The Effects of Long-term Medication Use in Alzheimer Disease

Long-term use of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors can improve cognition and memory in Alzheimer's patients.

Rigorous Journal

2021·

0citations

·Steven C. Karceski

Drug-Induced Disorders of Memory and Dementia

Drug-induced memory and cognitive impairments can be managed by discontinuing the medication and implementing memory training exercises to accelerate recovery.

2021·

1citation

·K. Jain

Drug associated memory impairment

Many prescription medications, especially benzodiazepines, can cause memory impairment or delirium, especially when taken chronically without professional supervision.

2001·

1citation

·T. de

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