Alert: Can Some Medicines Affect Memory and Dementia Risk?
Some medicines can cause confusion, sleepiness, or memory problems—especially in older adults. These effects don’t automatically mean someone has dementia, and a medicine linked with cognitive changes does not necessarily cause dementia.
Medicines with anticholinergic effects—found in some older allergy and sleep remedies, bladder medicines, and certain antidepressants—can affect memory and thinking. Some studies have linked long-term use of these medicines with a higher dementia risk, but that does not prove they caused dementia. Other medicines, including sedatives, may also cause confusion or drowsiness in some people.
If you’re concerned about a medicine, ask a doctor or pharmacist to review the medication and possible alternatives. Don’t stop a prescribed medicine suddenly without medical advice. New or sudden confusion needs prompt medical attention, since it can have causes that need treatment.
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