Anti-Cholinergic Drugs Linked to Cognitive Impairment in Elderly

The use of anti-cholinergic drugs by older patients has been linked with mild cognitive impairment, according to a new study in France.

An anti-cholinergic drug is one that opposes or blocks the action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Drugs with anti-cholinergic effects include some bronchodilators, antihistamines, analgesics, anti-hypertensives, antidepressants, antiparkinsonian agents and corticosteroids.

Elderly patients taking any of these drugs may consequently experience "significant deficits in cognitive functioning," according to Marie Ancelin, PhD, a senior research fellow at the French national health research unit.

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