Anticholinergic Medications: Use Among Older Adults with Memory Problems

Abstract

<h4></h4> <p>The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency with which over-the-counter and prescription medications with potential anticholinergic side effects were used by a sample of 193 older adults with memory problems. Medications with anticholinergic side effects are contraindicated in this population because they can worsen memory impairment and increase confusion. A retrospective chart review of clients seen between October 1999 and April 2004 was completed, with a secondary analysis of the medications older adults (older than 50 years) were taking at their initial clinic visit. Findings revealed that 10.3% of these older adults were consuming one or more medications with anticholinergic side effects. These findings demonstrate an ongoing opportunity for nurses to educate health care providers, as well as consumers, regarding the dangers of these medications.</p>

Anticholinergic burden and dry mouth among Finnish, community‐dwelling older adults

“…Certain drugs, such as atropine or oxybutynin, are used specifically because of their anticholinergic properties, while other drugs, such as antidepressants, antipsychotics and antihistamines, have anticholinergic activities that are not necessarily related to their therapeutic effects. Despite the fact that anticholinergic drugs are associated with serious adverse events, they are commonly used among older people …”

“…Despite the fact that anticholinergic drugs are associated with serious adverse events, they are commonly used among older people. [5][6][7] There is variability in the anticholinergic potency of drugs, 8,9 and several methods have been developed to measure the overall anticholinergic burden. 10 One of these methods is Carnahan's Anticholinergic Drug Scale (ADS), 11 which ranks drugs into four categories based on their anticholinergic activity and also takes into account the dose of anticholinergic drugs.…”

Anticholinergic drugs use and risk of hip fracture in geriatric patients

“…Other drugs, such as antidepressants, antipsychotics and antihistamines, have significant anticholinergic side‐effects, but owing to their often non‐selective nature, the use of anticholinergic drugs is associated with major side‐effects. Peripheral side‐effects include dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention and blurred vision; central side‐effects mainly include sedation, confusion, cognitive impairment and delirium …”

Anticholinergic Medication Use and Risk of Pneumonia in Elderly Adults: A Nested Case–Control Study

“…Peripheral side effects include dry mouth, thickened mucous secretions, blurred vision, and constipation. Central adverse effects mainly include falls, confusion, cognitive impairment, sedation, and delirium . Agents with significant anticholinergic effects are often considered potentially inappropriate for elderly adults .…”

“…Central adverse effects mainly include falls, confusion, cognitive impairment, sedation, and delirium. [6][7][8][9] Agents with significant anticholinergic effects are often considered potentially inappropriate for elderly adults. [10][11][12][13] The Beers' criteria [10][11][12] and Assessing Care of Vulnerable Elders indicators 13 have identified several medications with anticholinergic properties that should be avoided in elderly adults.…”