Some medicines can cause confusion, drowsiness, or memory problems, while long-term use of certain drugs has been linked with increased dementia risk. Learn what to know
Could Some Medicines Affect Your Memory?
Many medications are safe and beneficial when prescribed and used correctly. However, certain medicines can affect the brain and nervous system, particularly in older adults.
Some may cause temporary confusion, drowsiness, difficulty concentrating, or memory problems. Research has also found associations between long-term exposure to certain medications and an increased risk of dementia, although an association does not necessarily mean the medicine directly causes dementia.
That’s why it’s important to review your medications regularly with a doctor or pharmacist—especially if you or a family member has recently experienced unexplained changes in memory or thinking.
1. Anticholinergic Medicines
Anticholinergic drugs block a chemical messenger called acetylcholine, which plays an important role in memory and learning.
Some medications with anticholinergic effects are used for allergies, bladder problems, depression, nausea, and other conditions.
In older adults, a high anticholinergic burden may contribute to confusion and cognitive problems.
2. Certain Sleeping Medicines
Some prescription and over-the-counter sleep medicines can cause next-day drowsiness, impaired concentration, and confusion.
Older adults may be particularly sensitive to these effects. Long-term use should be discussed with a healthcare professional rather than stopped suddenly.
3. Benzodiazepines
Medicines in this class are commonly prescribed for anxiety, insomnia, and certain seizure disorders.
They can cause sedation, impaired coordination, and short-term memory problems. Long-term use, particularly in older adults, has also been associated in some studies with cognitive concerns.
Never stop a benzodiazepine suddenly without medical advice, because withdrawal can be dangerous.
4. Some Medications Used for Overactive Bladder
Certain bladder medications have anticholinergic properties and may affect cognition.
If an older person develops new confusion or memory difficulties after starting or increasing one of these medicines, it is worth discussing the medication with their doctor.
There may sometimes be alternative treatments with fewer cognitive effects.
5. Some Antidepressants
Certain antidepressants have stronger anticholinergic effects than others.
This doesn’t mean that people should stop taking antidepressants. Depression itself can also affect concentration and memory, and stopping treatment without professional guidance can cause problems.
A healthcare professional can determine whether a particular medication is appropriate.
6. Some Antipsychotic Medicines
Antipsychotic medications can be important treatments for certain serious psychiatric and neurological conditions.
However, they can also cause sedation, confusion, and other side effects, particularly in older adults. They should only be used when medically appropriate and monitored by a healthcare professional.
7. Certain Anti-Seizure Medicines
Some medications used to control seizures can cause sleepiness, slowed thinking, dizziness, or difficulty concentrating.
The effects vary considerably between medications and individuals.
For someone experiencing new cognitive symptoms, a doctor may review the dose and consider whether another explanation or medication could be responsible.
8. Some Medications With Strong Sedating Effects
A number of medicines can make people unusually sleepy or mentally slowed.
This can be especially noticeable when several medications are taken together. Combining medicines that independently cause sedation can increase the overall effect.
This is one reason a complete medication review is important.
What Should You Do If You Notice Memory Problems?
Don’t panic—and don’t stop a prescribed medicine on your own.
Instead, make a list of every medication and supplement you take, including over-the-counter products. Take the list to your doctor or pharmacist and ask whether any of them could be contributing to your symptoms.
A professional may consider:
- Your age and overall health
- The medication and dosage
- How long you’ve been taking it
- Other medicines you’re using
- Possible drug interactions
- Kidney and liver function
- Sleep problems or other medical conditions
- Whether the symptoms began after a medication change
Sometimes the problem isn’t dementia at all. Medication side effects, dehydration, infections, sleep problems, depression, nutritional deficiencies, and other conditions can also affect memory and thinking.
Important Reminder
A medication being associated with cognitive problems doesn’t mean everyone taking it will develop dementia.
Medicines can be essential for treating serious conditions, and the benefits may outweigh potential risks. The safest approach is to have your individual medications reviewed by a qualified healthcare professional.
If confusion or memory problems appear suddenly—especially along with difficulty speaking, weakness, severe headache, or trouble walking—seek urgent medical attention.
Your medicines may be helping you—but it’s always worth making sure they’re still the right medicines, at the right dose, for you.