This can be a tough pill to swallow.
An unhealthy diet, chronic insomnia, obesity and some genetics can increase the risk of dementia, which destroys memory, thinking skills and the ability to perform basic tasks over time.
Now, a board-certified anesthesiologist in Los Angeles is revealing five everyday medications that may increase the likelihood of developing dementia, a group of brain disorders that affect nearly 7 million Americans.
“Topic for [nearly] all these medications [is] they usually affect your brain,” said Dr. Zain Hasan on TikTok. “Everything [that] sedates your brain for a long period of time, including anesthesia, can cause dementia.”
Benadryl
“If you take diphenhydramine, also known as Benadryl or Elavil, or any type of antihistamine or anticholinergic medication for a long period of time, it has been linked to dementia,” Hasan said.
Benadryl is an over-the-counter antihistamine used to relieve symptoms of hay fever, allergies, and the common cold.
Research has shown a link between an increased risk of dementia and long-term use of Benadryl and other anticholinergic drugs that block acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter essential for muscle contractions and important brain functions such as learning and memory.
opiates
“This is pretty common knowledge, but if you take any opiates like morphine on a regular basis, they affect your brain,” Hasan said.
Opioids are a key component of anesthesia. One study found that the risk of developing dementia can almost double within three to seven years after surgery where anesthesia is administered.
Omeprazole
“This was a little surprising to me, but if you take omeprazole regularly, it can increase the amount of beta-amyloid in your brain, which can lead to dementia,” Hasan said.
Omeprazole, sold under brand names such as Prilosec and Losec, lowers the amount of acid in the stomach to treat indigestion, heartburn, and acid reflux.
Studies on a link between proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as omeprazole and dementia have produced mixed results, with some research finding no additional risk and others identifying an association with long-term use.
The idea is that PPIs can lead to vitamin B12 deficiency, affecting memory and cognitive function. PPIs can also affect brain enzymes responsible for breaking down amyloid beta – the build-up of this protein is a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines, such as Valium and Xanax, are antidepressant medications used to treat anxiety, panic attacks, and sleep disorders, among other conditions.
“If you take benzodiazepines for a long period of time, it can cause dementia,” Hasan said. “That makes perfect sense. It goes to your central nervous system. Numb the whole brain. It helps with anxiety. It helps with alcohol withdrawal.”
Tricyclic antidepressants
Tricyclic antidepressants, such as Norpramin and Vivactil, are primarily used to treat major depression, but may also be prescribed off-label for chronic pain, insomnia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Like Benadryl, these antidepressants exhibit anticholinergic effects, but there is inconsistent scientific evidence that they increase the risk of dementia.
“If you’re taking these medications,” Hasan advised, “always talk to your primary care doctor before stopping anything, especially medications like opiates and benzos. Tell them you’re scared or worried about dementia in the future, especially if you are younger and have a long life. [these] medications.”
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