Drug side–effect linked with increased health risks for over 65s
24 June 2011
Drug side–effect linked with increased health risks for over 65s, reveals new research published today in US
Edited by Andy Porter editor@wellbeingnorfolk.co.uk
Edited by Andy Porter editor@wellbeingnorfolk.co.uk
A side–effect of many commonly–used drugs appears to increase the risks of both cognitive impairment and death in older people, according to new research led by the University of East Anglia [UEA].
As part of the Medical Research Council’s Cognitive Function and Ageing Studies project, the study is the first systematic investigation into the long–term health impacts of ‘anticholinergic activity’ – a known potential side–effect of many prescription and over–the–counter drugs which affects the brain by blocking a key neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. The findings are published today by the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Medicines with some degree of anticholinergic effect are wide–ranging and many are frequently taken by older people. The groups with the greatest impact include: Anti-depressants such as Amitriptyline, Imipramine and Clomipramine; tranquilisers such as Chlorpromazine and Trifluoperazine; bladder medication such as Oxybutynin; and antihistamines such as Chlorphenamine. Other drugs with an anticholinergic effect include: Atenolol, Furosemide and Nifedipine for heart problems; painkillers such as Codeine and Dextropropoxyphene; the asthma treatment Beclometasone; the epilepsy treatment Carbamazepine; and Timolol eyedrops which are used for glaucoma.
As part of the Medical Research Council’s Cognitive Function and Ageing Studies project, the study is the first systematic investigation into the long–term health impacts of ‘anticholinergic activity’ – a known potential side–effect of many prescription and over–the–counter drugs which affects the brain by blocking a key neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. The findings are published today by the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Medicines with some degree of anticholinergic effect are wide–ranging and many are frequently taken by older people. The groups with the greatest impact include: Anti-depressants such as Amitriptyline, Imipramine and Clomipramine; tranquilisers such as Chlorpromazine and Trifluoperazine; bladder medication such as Oxybutynin; and antihistamines such as Chlorphenamine. Other drugs with an anticholinergic effect include: Atenolol, Furosemide and Nifedipine for heart problems; painkillers such as Codeine and Dextropropoxyphene; the asthma treatment Beclometasone; the epilepsy treatment Carbamazepine; and Timolol eyedrops which are used for glaucoma.
The large cohort study was launched as part of the drive to find ways of reducing risk factors for dementia that affects 820,000 people in the UK. UEA researchers worked in collaboration with colleagues at University of Cambridge, Indiana University and National Health Service [NHS] clinicians. The Medical Research Council and the US National Institute on Aging funded the project.
More than 13,000 men and women aged 65 and over from across the UK were included in the two–year study. Around half were found to use a medication with potential anticholinergic properties.
Lead author Dr Chris Fox, clinical senior lecturer at Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, said: “This is the first large scale study into the long–term impact of medicines which block acetylcholine – a common brain neurotransmitter – on humans, and our results show a potentially serious effect on mortality. Clinicians should conduct regular reviews of the medication taken by their older patients, both prescribed and over–the–counter, and wherever possible avoid prescribing multiple drugs with anticholinergic effects.
“Further research must now be undertaken to understand possible reasons for this link and, in particular, whether and how the anticholinergic drugs might cause the increased mortality. In the meantime, I strongly advise patients with any concerns to continue taking their medicines until they have consulted their family doctor or their pharmacist.”
Ian Maidment, a mental health pharmacist within the NHS, added: “One of the issues is that as we age, we tend to be prescribed more medicines which have an anticholinergic effect, increasing the overall burden.”
Dr Susanne Sorensen, head of research at the Alzheimer’s Society, said: “It is very important that we have a clear picture of the side–effects of drugs commonly taken by older people with cognitive impairment and other conditions. This robust study provides valuable findings, and must be taken seriously. However, it is vital that people do not panic or stop taking their medication without consulting their GP.
“We would urge people to have regular appointments with their doctor to review all drug treatments they are taking. This will help ensure they are on the best medications for their conditions, and that any side effects have been taken into consideration.”
Scientists led by the Regenstrief Institute in Indianapolis, US, supported by scientists from Norwich Medical School at UEA, and the NHS, developed the ‘anticholinergic burden’ scale [www.indydiscoverynetwork.org].
Dr Malaz Boustani, associate Professor of Medicine at Indiana University, who reviews the benefits and harms of these medications with patients at the Wishard Healthy Aging Brain Centre in Indianapolis, said: “Our findings make it clear that clinicians need to review the cumulative anticholinergic burden in people presenting with cognitive impairment to determine if the drugs are causing decline in mental status. Every clinician has the duty to protect the brains of their patients and every patient needs to bring over–the–counter and prescription drugs to their doctor’s appointment for a comprehensive review.”
UEA Photographic Unit, © University of East Anglia
Mental Health Service, Dean of Students’ Office, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ. Website:
More than 13,000 men and women aged 65 and over from across the UK were included in the two–year study. Around half were found to use a medication with potential anticholinergic properties.
Lead author Dr Chris Fox, clinical senior lecturer at Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, said: “This is the first large scale study into the long–term impact of medicines which block acetylcholine – a common brain neurotransmitter – on humans, and our results show a potentially serious effect on mortality. Clinicians should conduct regular reviews of the medication taken by their older patients, both prescribed and over–the–counter, and wherever possible avoid prescribing multiple drugs with anticholinergic effects.
“Further research must now be undertaken to understand possible reasons for this link and, in particular, whether and how the anticholinergic drugs might cause the increased mortality. In the meantime, I strongly advise patients with any concerns to continue taking their medicines until they have consulted their family doctor or their pharmacist.”
Ian Maidment, a mental health pharmacist within the NHS, added: “One of the issues is that as we age, we tend to be prescribed more medicines which have an anticholinergic effect, increasing the overall burden.”
Dr Susanne Sorensen, head of research at the Alzheimer’s Society, said: “It is very important that we have a clear picture of the side–effects of drugs commonly taken by older people with cognitive impairment and other conditions. This robust study provides valuable findings, and must be taken seriously. However, it is vital that people do not panic or stop taking their medication without consulting their GP.
“We would urge people to have regular appointments with their doctor to review all drug treatments they are taking. This will help ensure they are on the best medications for their conditions, and that any side effects have been taken into consideration.”
Scientists led by the Regenstrief Institute in Indianapolis, US, supported by scientists from Norwich Medical School at UEA, and the NHS, developed the ‘anticholinergic burden’ scale [www.indydiscoverynetwork.org].
Dr Malaz Boustani, associate Professor of Medicine at Indiana University, who reviews the benefits and harms of these medications with patients at the Wishard Healthy Aging Brain Centre in Indianapolis, said: “Our findings make it clear that clinicians need to review the cumulative anticholinergic burden in people presenting with cognitive impairment to determine if the drugs are causing decline in mental status. Every clinician has the duty to protect the brains of their patients and every patient needs to bring over–the–counter and prescription drugs to their doctor’s appointment for a comprehensive review.”
UEA Photographic Unit, © University of East Anglia
Mental Health Service, Dean of Students’ Office, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ. Website:
