From a health perspective there is nothing more worrisome as having memory or mind processing issues. This is especially true if you have seen the impact of Alzheimer’s disease. The study published online, November 2012, in the journal Alzheimer’s and Dementia offered a look at common drugs that impact cognition. In just as little as two months, this class of drugs, known as anticholinergics, showed a 50 % increased risk of “mild cognitive impairment”. Personally, I need all the brain power I can get.
Anticholinergics impact the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. This communication chemical works in the brain and in nerve tissue for muscle activation. It functions in memory, decision making and in sleep. Acetylcholine is made from acetic acid (vinegar) and choline, a B vitamin. A good source of choline is found in lecithin as phosphatidyl coline and is a good memory supplement.
Ironically, Benadryl® (diphenhydramine), an anti-histamine has long been used for sleep due to its drowsiness side effect. Most would consider it as generally harmless. But if it decreases your acetylcholine then sleep quality can be affected. This is one of many drugs in a class of anticholinergic drugs that impair cognitive function. Interesting is that many of the Alzheimer’s drugs work to inhibit an enzyme that degrades acetylcholine. Some of these patients are also receiving some of the above drugs.
Others include but are not limited to:
Hyoscyamine (Levsin®, Donnatal®, Levbid®, HyoMax SR®)
Methscopolamine (Pamine®)
Dicyclomine (Bentyl®)
Bupropion (Wellbutrin®)
Dextromethorphan (common cough suppressant)
Ipratropium (Atrovent®)
Tiotropium (Spiriva®)
Stay Well!
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