7 Common Drugs Linked to Higher Risk of Dementia These widely used medications can be toxic for older adults' brains Consumer information about the drug loratadine (Claritin, Claritin RediTabs, Alavert, Claritin Hives Relief, Children's Claritin, and others) used for the relief seasonal allergic rhinitis symptoms and hives. Article includes descriptions, uses, drug interactions, and side effects. on a cognitive test and 1.1-percent on a measure of routine activities one can perform for themselves (another measure of intact cognition). Unfortunately, cognitive decline that is due to anticholinergic medications is often overlooked because Forgetfulness and mental confusion are often associated with aging, but the fact is, scientists have found that memory loss is not an inevitable part of aging. If you are having trouble remembering things and you have taken some of the medications we are about to talk about, then that might be the problem. Higher dosage or long-term use of common drugs with anticholinergic effects is linked to significantly increased risk of dementia - including Alzheimer’s - says large study. Benzodiazepines and drugs with strong anticholinergic effects have been linked to Alzheimer’s disease in people who take them. Higher doses and longer… There are certain warnings to be aware of concerning the safety of Benadryl in the elderly. As this eMedTV page explains, people over age 60 must use caution while taking Benadryl because they may be more susceptible to the side effects of the drug. Index of comprehensive articles on common prescription and OTC medications and drugs, c listing. Monographs cover generic and brand name, drug class and mechanism, dosing, drug interactions, side effects,and use. Dear Dr. Roach • Please clarify and enlighten your readers about some of the symptoms of Lewy body dementia. There is so much focused on Alzheimer’s disease.