What 4 types of medications might worsen memory in aging parents?
If you are worried about your parent's memory, certain commonly-used prescriptions can actually slow brain function. You may want to review which specific classes of drugs should be used with caution to avoid making cognitive symptoms worse.
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Four medication classes that may worsen memory in aging parents include anticholinergics, benzodiazepines, sleep aids, and opioids.
- Anticholinergics: These block the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is essential for learning and memory. Common examples include diphenhydramine (Benadryl), some over-the-counter sleep aids, and certain antidepressants or motion sickness medications like meclizine. The American Geriatrics Society strongly advises against their use in older adults.
- Benzodiazepines: Often prescribed for anxiety or insomnia, drugs like alprazolam and lorazepam can cause sedation and confusion. While effective short-term, long-term use in seniors is linked to an increased risk of cognitive decline and falls.
- Prescription Sleep Aids: Non-benzodiazepine hypnotics (such as zolpidem or eszopiclone) and some antihistamines can linger in the system longer for older metabolisms, leading to next-day grogginess and fragmented attention.
- Opioids: Even low doses can blunt mental acuity. Since older adults are more sensitive to these drugs, they should be used cautiously to avoid sedation that mimics dementia symptoms.
Consult a pharmacist to perform a comprehensive medication review annually to identify and reduce these risks safely.
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