ot: Common Drugs Linked to Cognitive Impairment - Tylenol PM etc

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*/Common Drugs Linked to Cognitive Impairment and Possibly to Increased

Risk of Death, Study Suggests/*

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110624111929.htm

ScienceDaily (June 24, 2011) --- A large, long-term study confirms that

medications with anticholinergic activity, which include many drugs

frequently taken by older adults, cause cognitive impairment. The

research is also the first to identify a possible link between these

drugs -- which include over-the-counter and prescription sleep aids and

incontinence treatments -- and risk of death....

Results of the study of anticholinergics appear June 24, 2011 in an

advanced online publication of the Journal of the American Geriatrics

Society.

Anticholinergics affect the brain by blocking acetylcholine, a nervous

system neurotransmitter. Over-the-counter products containing

diphenhydramine, sold under various brand names such as Benadryl®,

Dramamine®, Excedrin PM®, Nytol®, Sominex®, Tylenol PM®, and Unisom®,

have anticolinergic activity. Other anticholinergic drugs, such as

Paxil®, Detrol®, Demerol® and Elavil® are available by prescription....

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see also:

*/Common drugs could prove fatal to elderly/*

By Jane Kirby

Friday, 24 June 2011

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/common-d\

rugs-could-prove-fatal-to-elderly-2302128.html

Hundreds of thousands of older people who take common drugs could be at

increased risk of mental decline and death, research suggests.

A study of 13,000 people found risks from over-the-counter and

prescription drugs, including some antihistamines, painkillers, blood

thinners and eye drops for glaucoma....

diabetes

..