7 Medications Linked to Memory Problems or Cognitive Changes
Headlines claiming that certain medicines “cause severe dementia and profound brain damage” are often overstated. Most medications do not cause dementia, but some can cause confusion, drowsiness, or short-term memory problems, especially in older adults, at higher doses, or when combined with other medicines.
Medications that may affect cognition in some people include:
- Anticholinergic medications
- Some allergy medicines, bladder medicines, and older antidepressants can reduce the brain chemical acetylcholine, which is important for memory and thinking.
- Benzodiazepines
- Medicines used for anxiety or insomnia may cause sedation, slowed thinking, and memory issues, particularly with long-term use.
- Certain sleep medications
- Some prescription sleep aids may be associated with confusion or unusual behaviors, especially in older adults.
- Some opioid pain medicines
- Can cause drowsiness, slowed mental processing, and confusion.
- Certain medications for Parkinson’s disease or seizures
- Some can affect alertness, mood, or thinking.
- Some corticosteroids (steroids)
- High doses can sometimes affect mood, sleep, and mental clarity.
- Some combinations of medicines
- Taking multiple medications that cause sedation or anticholinergic effects can increase the risk of confusion and falls
