By 2030, 82 million people are expected to be living with dementia.
In March 2015, the University of Washington and Seattle healthcare system published a study on 3,434 participants who had a history of over the counter and prescription drug use.
Over a 7 year period, they found 797 - 23% - of them had developed Dementia.
Researchers found the main suspect to be anticholinergics.
These types of drugs are used for treatment of urinary incontinence, Parkinson’s disease, and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
They block the actions and effects of acetylcholine, a chemical which causes muscles to contract, activates pain responses and regulates endocrine and REM sleep functions.
Our brains produce acetylcholine cells which decrease with age.
Refraining from taking such medicines may help with increased brain function if you are experiencing these symptoms.
As always, check with your doctor prior to stopping medications that you are currently taking.
Next week: Improving memory loss