Alert: 8 Types of Medications That May Affect Memory and Thinking
Some medications can cause confusion, drowsiness, or short-term memory problems, especially in older adults. This does not mean they cause permanent dementia in everyone, but certain drugs have been linked to a higher risk of cognitive problems in some people, particularly with long-term use or when combined with other medicines.
1. Anticholinergic medications
- Used for conditions such as allergies, bladder problems, motion sickness, and some nerve-related issues.
- Examples include some older antihistamines and bladder medications.
- They can affect acetylcholine, a brain chemical involved in memory and learning.
2. Benzodiazepines
- Used for anxiety, insomnia, and some seizure disorders.
- Examples include medications such as diazepam and lorazepam.
- They may cause sedation, confusion, and memory problems, especially in older adults.
3. Sleep medications
- Some prescription sleep aids can cause next-day drowsiness, confusion, or unusual behaviors.
4. Opioid pain medications
- These can cause drowsiness, slowed thinking, and confusion, particularly at higher doses or when combined with other sedating drugs.
5. Certain antidepressants and mood medications
- Some may have sedating or anticholinergic effects that can influence cognition.
6. Some anti-anxiety or seizure medications
- Certain drugs in these groups may affect alertness, balance, and memory.
7. Corticosteroids (when used in some situations)
- High doses or prolonged use can sometimes affect mood, sleep, and thinking.
8. Some medications used for bladder control
- Certain antimuscarinic bladder drugs may be associated with cognitive side effects in susceptible people.
What to do
- Do not stop any prescribed medication suddenly.
- If you notice new confusion, memory changes, or unusual sleepiness, ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your medications.
- Many medication-related cognitive effects can improve after adjusting the treatment.
Memory problems can have many causes, and a medication review is one important step in finding the cause.
