Certain Medications Riskier for People With Dementia

Some medications affect your brain and nervous system. Side effects can include an increased risk of confusion, falls, and hospitalization. This risk is higher for people with dementia—a brain disorder that causes memory loss and difficulty thinking clearly. A new study showed that many people with dementia are taking medicines that may not be safe for them.

Researchers studied medical records of about 4,800 people aged 65 and older. They looked at how many people took at least one medicine that can affect the brain and nervous system for at least 28 days.

The medicines included certain drugs that treat depression, anxiety or panic attacks, and sleeping problems. They also looked at some drugs that cause drowsiness. The researchers wanted to understand who was taking these drugs and why.

In people with dementia, 25% took at least one of these medicines. Only 17% of people without dementia took one of these medications.

The findings show that many older adults may be taking medications that might not be safe for them. Many did not have a medical reason to use them. Lowering the use of these medications could lead to better, safer care.

But prescriptions that affect the brain and nervous system may sometimes be needed.

“It is important for older patients and their caregivers to work closely with their physicians to ensure that these medications are appropriate to their cases,” says Dr. Annie Yang of Yale University.