The ACT results add to mounting evidence that anticholinergics aren't drugs to take long-term if you want to keep a clear head and keep your head clear into old age. The body's production of acetylcholine diminishes with age, so blocking its effects can deliver a double whammy to older people. It's not surprising that problems with short-term memory, reasoning, and confusion lead the list of side effects of anticholinergic drugs, which also include drowsiness, dry mouth, urine retention, and constipation.
First-Generation Antihistamines: These include common over-the-counter drugs like Diphenhydramine (Benadryl), Chlorpheniramine, and Hydroxyzine. They’re known for being strong H1 receptor blockers, but they easily cross the blood-brain barrier, causing drowsiness, sedation, and slowed cognitive processing.
Long-term use has been associated with memory problems, slowed reaction times, and an increased risk of dementia, especially in older adults. They also exhibit anticholinergic activity, which further compounds the cognitive burden, particularly in aging brains.
