COMMON CLASS OF DRUGS ACCELERATES MENTAL, PHYSICAL DECLINE IN ELDERLY.

Anticholinergic medications, which are commonly used for conditions like overactive bladder, motion sickness, and asthma, may hasten functional and cognitive decline in older adults, according to new research ( cited at bottom of this article) Anticholinergics selectively block receptors for acetylcholine, which is a neurotransmitter involved in motor function and memory. A study presented at the Academy of Neurology showed healthy older adults using anticholinergic medication experienced 1.5 times faster rate of Cognitive decline than subjects not using the medications. Medication used to treat bladder disorders were the most problematic.
A related presentation from the American Geriatric Society reported that older adults using anticholinergics demonstrated slower walking speed and were more likely to need help with daily living compared with people who did not take the drugs, Taking one moderately Anticholinergic Drug simulated an extra three to four years of age. (2)
This findings dovetail with a recent study showing that older adults who used medications for dementia and overactive bladder had a 50 % faster rate of functional decline compared with adults who only used medication for Dementia. (3).
While ANTICHOLINERGICS can be useful medicines, Physicians and patients should be aware that they can accelerate physical and cognition decline.

Sources cited are (1) http:// www.nim. nih.gov/medlinplus/news/ full story------ May 9,2008
(2) http:// www.reuters.com/article / spherenews/id
(3) sink KM.Thomas) 3RD, HUH, Craig B, Kritchersky, S Sands LP use of bladder Anticholinergics and Cholinesterase inhibitors, JAM GERIATRIC SOC.2008 MAY: 56(5):847-53