Alzheimer's disease is a consequence of a decline in intellectual faculties and memory by progressive cell death. It is the most common form of dementia that triggers disorders of thought, memory and behavior. In 2015, the World Health Organization counted no less than 900,000 Alzheimer's cases. With regard to dementia, it is another syndrome, usually chronic or progressive, in which there is also an impairment of cognitive function.
Alzheimer's disease and dementia
These two irreversible neurodegenerative diseases do not necessarily function as aging processes, but mostly affect older people, especially those over 65 years old.
Typical symptoms include memory loss, mood and personality disorders, chronic confusion, unsociability, difficulty speaking, writing or doing simple things.
Alzheimer's disease and dementia have as many physical, psychological and socio-economic consequences for people with Alzheimer's disease as for their loved ones.
some popular drugs can lead to Alzheimer's disease
Factors such as age, cardiovascular disease, diabetes or even genetic predispositions, increase the risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia.
Anticholinergics involved?
But there are still many other factors that can increase the possibility of developing these neurodegenerative diseases. Indeed, certain medications such as anticholinergics that include certain antihypertensives, diuretics, antidepressants, anxiolytics, antiepileptics or antihistamines would be significantly involved in disorders of Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
Anticholinergic drugs stop the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the brain that transmits between neurons and the parasympathetic nervous system. They disturb the memory and the cognitive system.
Many drugs in the anticholinergic category taken by older people ostensibly increase the risk of cognitive decline and especially if combined with other anticholinergic drug regimens.
One study looked at the cause-effect relationship of anticholinergics
A study conducted in 2015 and published in the Journal of the American Association, showed a significant link between the use of drugs in the category of anticholinergics such as tricyclic antidepressants, first-generation antihistamines and antimuscarinic bladder , and the risks of contracting Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
It also highlights that higher cumulative anticholinergic use is associated with an increased risk of dementia. Properly speaking, the frequent use of anticholinergics, shows that the risks associated with Alzheimer's disease and dementia may outweigh the expected effects of using these drugs in the elderly. Clearly, not only do some drugs have involuntary anticholinergic effects that are not the main therapeutic activity, but they also alter the cognitive system and contribute significantly to the occurrence of the two aforementioned neurodegenerative diseases.
Memory problems. What to do ?
Memory problems are not necessarily related to symptoms of Alzheimer's disease or dementia. They can have different causes, each of which can benefit from a separate diagnosis and a specific treatment.
The first reflex to adopt is to consult your doctor and make blood tests to ensure that the symptoms are not caused by hormonal imbalances or nutritional deficiencies such as vitamin B12. Continuous intake of hypnotics or psychotropic drugs can also have an influence and cause memory problems.
Foods containing carbohydrates and high in fiber and those rich in omega-3, B vitamins and iron such as eggs, cereals, chicken, whole fruits, salmon are all indicated to prevent memory disorders and attention deficit. All foods that are high in fat or added sugars are, in contrast, to be avoided.
