acetylcholine, an important neurotransmitter for memory and learning. Studies show that they increase the risk of dementia. For example, a study from the University of Washington followed more than 3,500 older adults for 10 years and found that those who regularly used anticholinergics had a 54% increased risk of developing dementia.
Common anticholinergics that have been linked to cognitive decline include meclizine, scopolamine, biperiden, oxybutynin, and diphenhydramine. However, others, such as glycopyrronium and tiotropium, have not been shown to have these effects. Patients and physicians should carefully weigh the
