Crystal Parry

October 18, 2016

Period 2
Dementia Dilemma: The Effect of Anticholinergic Medications on the Aging Brain
Research Question:
Is there an effect of the use/abuse of anticholinergic medications on the cognitive abilities of
elderly people with dementia?
Hypothesis:
There is a significant effect of the use/abuse of anticholinergic medications on the brain in
elderly people with dementia?
Background:
In todays society there has been a rise in dementia amongst elderly adults, especially in this
country. There also is not a definite cause of the start of dementia in the brain. As a result, there
is constant research being done to find the cause of dementia. Various studies that claim to have
found the cause of dementia arise everyday, so there is a vast amount of information on this
subject. Many scientists have conducted such studies, and recently there has been research into
the effects of anticholinergic medications of the cognitive abilities of elderly dementia patients.
Since the studies offer relatively new ideas about the effects of anticholinergics, many scientists
are hesitant to accept this as fact. There is a definite association between these medications,
however, it is difficult to say whether anticholinergics do in fact affect the brain in such a way
that it leads to dementia.

Rationale:
Dementia and other neurological diseases like Alzheimers are one of the leading causes
of death today. Since there is no cure for these diseases yet, any new research or information that
can lead to one would be very beneficial to dementia patients and those who may develop the
disease in the future. If anticholinergic medications are in fact a cause of dementia, such
information will help them, their families, and physicians make better decisions in the amount
and type of medications they can use. Others who also know people dealing with dementia can
share this information with them as well. I also know many people who have loved ones who
have been living with dementia that would like to find ways to reduce or even stop its effects.
Basis of Hypothesis:
Many of the studies I have looked at so far have suggested that anticholinergic
medications have destroyed the brain matter in older people, making them very susceptible to
developing dementia. The data all supported their conclusion. However, there are a limited
amount of studies that have been conducted on the subject, so it is hard to tell if the results are
significant. Conducting more research on this topic will help to find a more concrete answer on
whether there is in link in developing dementia after using anticholinergics.
Operational Definitions:

Anticholinergic medications: medications that block neurotransmitters that are

responsible for delivering messages to the brain; they are usually various types of sleep,
allergy, and cold medications

Abuse: using more medication than is directed by a physician, or using it incorrectly

Dementia: damage to brain cells that caused cognitive disabilities in people, there is no
real cause or cure for this disease

Descriptors Used for Literature Search:

Effects of anticholinergic medications

What are the effects of anticholinergic medications on the brain

Dementia and anticholinergics

Link between dementia and anticholinergics