Popular Drug SKYROCKETING Your Dementia Risk?! 

Dear Reader, 

When you go to your doctor with a problem you expect to be given a cure… or, at best, at least a treatment that will make your problem manageable. 

What you don’t expect is for this drug to open a can of worms for other health troubles. But that’s exactly what could happen if you suffer with anything from COPD, overactive bladder, asthma, Parkinson’s, diarrhea and even depression.  

Because while this one type of drug is given to “treat” all of the issues I’ve listed above – it’s also sending your risk for dementia skyrocketing.  

Here’s what you need to know. 

Anticholinergic medications are WIDELY prescribed medications. 

They are also at the top of my list of drugs you should not take unless you absolutely HAVE to. And that’s especially the case if you’re older. 

Anticholinergic drugs are a big class of drugs (they do a lot of different things in your body). They work by decreasing the action of a brain chemical (neurotransmitter) in the brain, called acetylcholine. 

Acetylcholine is needed for a specific set of nerves to work. Blocking acetylcholine typically calms down (or inhibits) many involuntary muscles movements and various other bodily functions.   

Here is the list of drugs that are considered anticholinergic: 

  • Antihistamines (first-generation) 
  • Antiparkinsonian Agents 
  • Skeletal Muscle Relaxants 
  • Antiarrhythmics (for irregular heartbeats) 
  • Antidepressants (amitriptyline, clomipramine, doxepin, imipramine…) 
  • Antimuscarinics (for urinary incontinence) 
  • Antipsychotics (chlorpromazine, clozapine, loxapine….) 
  • Antispasmodics (used to calm muscles) 

Anticholinergic drugs decrease the ability of the liver and kidney to break down and get rid of toxins. They also increase the permeability of the blood-brain barrier – which allows more drugs across into the brain (not a good thing). 

They also increase drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, hallucinations… and much more. 

Oh… and they increase your risk of dementia. 

A new study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Internal Medicine, collected data from 3,434 adults who were followed for eight years they found that taking these drugs greatly increased the risk for dementia. 

But if they’re wrecking one of your brain, why is your doctor handing you a prescription? 

The short (and ugly) answer is: your mainstream medical doctor has nothing else to give you. 

If you suffer from asthma, Parkinson’s, diarrhea, or even depression, these are some of the only drugs that will supposedly “treat” your symptoms. 

A second, much larger study, of 58,769 participants found significant INCREASES in dementia risk associated with the use of anticholinergic antidepressants, anti-parkinsonian drugs, antipsychotics, anti-muscarinic drugs and antiepileptic drugs. 

And here is the biggest problem: the risk for dementia with anticholinergics remains even after drug is stopped. 

The takeaway: be careful whenever you decide to take a drug especially when it comes to these drugs and even MORE especially if you are older. If you suffer from one of the ailments that call for an anticholinergic, talk to your doctor about your options and make sure you exhaust your resources. 

Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

View More Free Articles

Mental Health Linked to 30% FASTER Aging [6-Step FIX]

Your mind and body are more connected than you might realize—and a groundbreaking new study proves just how profound that connection really is. In fact, it’s this mind-body link that helps explain why battling depression can put you on the fast track to physical decline. Depression is the most common mental health condition worldwide. We’ve...

Read This

The Air You Breathe Is Silently Stealing Your Memory

You already know that air pollution damages your lungs. Chances are you’ve heard it can also harm your heart. And I bet you won’t be surprised when I tell you it claims millions of lives annually. But now, alarming new research suggests polluted air might also damage your brain. This study found that long-term exposure...

Read This

Get Intermittent Fasting Benefits Without Going Hungry

Intermittent fasting, which involves cycling between eating and fasting periods, is effective. There’s plenty of evidence for that. It’s not just weight loss, either. Intermittent fasting has significant benefits for metabolic health. However, many people find fasting difficult to stick to—and others can’t do it at all due to medical issues—so they miss out on...

Read This

Just Diagnosed with Hypertension? —6 Things to Do Next

You’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure—now what? First, take a breath. You’re not alone—over 30 percent of adults worldwide have hypertension. That makes it one of the most common health issues… and a top cause of preventable deaths. The good news is that, unlike some conditions that can leave you feeling helpless, high blood...

Read This

Brain Games Are USELESS—Do These 5 Things Instead

I’ve seen a lot of lists lately claiming to have the secrets that keep your brain from turning into mush as you age. They typically advise activities such as doing crosswords, learning Spanish, or taking up the accordion. Challenging your mind with new learning experiences is definitely a great way to keep your brain engaged...

Read This

This $5 Fix REVERSES Cellular Aging in Just 6 Months

You take your vitamins, eat your vegetables, and feel healthy—so your nutrition is covered… right? Well, new research suggests that even health-conscious older adults may be missing crucial nutrients that keep their cells functioning like those of younger people. The trouble is that as we age, our bodies become less efficient at absorbing nutrients from...

Read This

Mailbag: Doctors Get Bone Health WRONG—Here's What Really Works

“Thank you so much for answering this. With millions of women who are seniors over 70 facing a diagnosis of osteoporosis, this is my question. What can we do naturally to help improve our bone density, especially in the spine lumber 1 and 2? Also, how do we help improve bone density in the femur...

Read This

Critical Brain Nutrient Missing In 9 Out of 10 American Diets

You’ve probably heard plenty about brain-boosting omega-3s, antioxidants, and B vitamins. But there’s another nutrient that’s just as critical for your cognitive health. However, it’s been flying under the radar… until now. Mounting evidence suggests this overlooked compound could be key to protecting your brain and enhancing memory. It may even reduce your risk of...

Read This

"Miracle Berry" Supercharges Your Microbiome

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads and granddads who’ve shared their wisdom, strength, and love through the years. Thank you for teaching us that the best medicine is laughter, love, and a father’s caring heart. Want to upgrade your health but don’t want complicated diets or expensive supplements? Science just revealed a delicious way...

Read This

This "Healthy" Sweetener is Sabotaging Your Weight Loss

Everyone knows that a balanced diet and regular exercise are crucial for maintaining a healthy weight. But what if the “diet” products you’re using to cut calories make you hungrier, so you eat more? Well, a shocking new study suggests that a popular artificial sweetener is secretly sabotaging your weight loss efforts. Let’s dig into...

Read This