Navigating the world of medications can be a complex journey, especially as we age. While we often rely on various drugs to manage our health conditions, it's crucial to stay informed about their potential long-term effects. For our community at the Seniors Discount Club, understanding these implications is particularly important, given the increased risk of dementia associated with advancing age.

Recently, a board-certified anaesthesiologist from Los Angeles, Dr Zain Hasan, raised concerns on social media about the potential link between certain daily medications and an increased risk of developing dementia. Among these medications is a common household name: Benadryl.

Dr Zain Hasan pointed out five medications that could cause dementia, a disease affecting millions of Australians. Image Credit: Pexels/Pixabay

Benadryl, known generically as diphenhydramine, is an over-the-counter antihistamine widely used to alleviate symptoms of allergies, hay fever, and the common cold. However, its convenience may come with a hidden cost. Dr Hasan warns that prolonged use of Benadryl and other anticholinergic drugs, which block the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, has been linked to dementia. Acetylcholine plays a vital role in muscle contractions and brain functions, including learning and memory.

The concern doesn't stop with Benadryl. Dr Hasan also highlighted the risks associated with other medications, such as certain opioids, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like omeprazole, benzodiazepines, and tricyclic antidepressants. These drugs, while effective for their intended uses, may have sedative effects on the brain or interfere with crucial neurological processes.

For instance, opioids, which are often used for pain relief and are a key component of anaesthesia, have been found to nearly double the risk of developing dementia within three to seven years post-surgery where anaesthesia is used. Benzodiazepines, prescribed for anxiety and sleep disorders, can numb the brain and potentially lead to dementia with long-term use.

Omeprazole, a medication used to reduce stomach acid, has been scrutinised for its potential to increase beta-amyloid in the brain, a protein buildup associated with Alzheimer's disease. While studies have produced mixed results, the possibility that PPIs could contribute to vitamin B12 deficiency and affect memory and cognitive function is a concern that cannot be ignored.

The conversation around tricyclic antidepressants is more nuanced, with inconsistent scientific evidence regarding their link to dementia. However, like Benadryl, they exhibit anticholinergic effects, which warrants caution.

Dr Hasan's advice to those taking these medications is clear: consult with your primary care doctor before making any changes to your medication regimen. It's essential to have an open dialogue about your concerns regarding dementia, especially if you're younger and facing the prospect of long-term medication use.

Watch Dr Hasan's video here:

Source: @doctarz/TikTok​

For our senior community, this information is a reminder to be proactive about our health choices. Regularly reviewing your medications with your healthcare provider is a good practice, as is staying informed about the latest research and recommendations.

If you or a loved one are using Benadryl or any of the medications mentioned, consider discussing alternative options with your doctor. There may be safer alternatives available that can manage your symptoms without the added risk.

We encourage our readers to share their experiences and thoughts on this topic. Have you had discussions with your doctor about the long-term use of these medications? What alternatives have you explored? Your insights could be invaluable to fellow members of the Seniors Discount Club who are navigating similar health concerns.

Key Takeaways

• A Los Angeles-based anaesthesiologist has shared on TikTok that certain daily medications may increase the likelihood of developing dementia.
• Long-term use of anticholinergic drugs like Benadryl has been linked to an increased risk of dementia.
• Opioids, benzodiazepines, and certain antidepressants with anticholinergic effects may also contribute to the risk of dementia if taken regularly over a long period.
• It is advised to consult with a primary care doctor before stopping any medications, especially those that can raise concerns about dementia.

Remember, your health and well-being are paramount. Staying informed and advocating for yourself is the best way to ensure a healthy future.

 

[Luckyus]

At least If I go down the dementie route I won't give a toss about how far the world is out of kilter?

 

[Gezzabel]

OMG! Please be really careful using Omeprazole (Nexium ). It’s such a common medicine, and it’s over the counter, with no label or caution required by the pharmacist. I was actually prescribed Nexium,!twice per day, for abdominal/reflux issues. I ended up having convulsions and seizures, and it was caused by the Nexium. If my husband had not been home to observe the seizure, I wouldn’t be alive today. At the time, no specialist, had an answer. My sodium levels were almost so low, it was lethal. I was in ICU for a week, and the only treatment at the time, was continuous IV fluids, with normal saline. Investigatons continued on for months, I lost my drivers licence for 6 months, and lived with constant fear, of wondering if another seizure would occur. Epilepsy was excluded, CAT scans, MRIs regularly. Still no answer. The theory was that it must’ve been the result of a health kick, using protein shakes. Each specialist had a new theory , but invented out of thin air. A year later, I had to have an anaesthetic , and mentioned the seizures and convulsions to the anaesthetist. He looked at the medications I was taking and Bingo ! His words to me were, “Nexium is the culprit “. “I can absolutely guarantee it “. He said it was well known to cause the drop in sodium levels, to the near lethal levels I had expected. If it wasn’t for the switched on anaesthetist, I would not have survived. To this day there’s no warning on the label, and it is easily purchased without question. For me, a bit of reflux, is best treated with a simple remedy, such as Gaviscon or store bought antacids. Sometimes, the simplest treatments that have been around forever, have the proven track record. An effective tried and true safe solution. I have never heard of a patient in ICU, because they took Mylanta or Gaviscon. Nexium has the potential to be lethal. Gezabel.

 

[Veggiepatch]

From Linkedin:-

Dr Zain Hasan - Anesthesiologist, Social Media Influencer
Warning bells right there in bold!

I agree with his piece on anticholinergic drugs which block the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. These substances are contained in some domestic insecticides such as Raid. The mechanism of blocking acetylcholine in insects is to interfere with the autonomous act of breathing. You stop breathing and death will eventuate.

But I do have a concern that Dr Hasan is becoming a Dr Phil and Dr Oz with his use of YouTube, Instagram and X as social platforms to spruik his stuff.

 

[Dynamo]

OMG! Please be really careful using Omeprazole (Nexium ). It’s such a common medicine, and it’s over the counter, with no label or caution required by the pharmacist. I was actually prescribed Nexium,!twice per day, for abdominal/reflux issues. I ended up having convulsions and seizures, and it was caused by the Nexium. If my husband had not been home to observe the seizure, I wouldn’t be alive today. At the time, no specialist, had an answer. My sodium levels were almost so low, it was lethal. I was in ICU for a week, and the only treatment at the time, was continuous IV fluids, with normal saline. Investigatons continued on for months, I lost my drivers licence for 6 months, and lived with constant fear, of wondering if another seizure would occur. Epilepsy was excluded, CAT scans, MRIs regularly. Still no answer. The theory was that it must’ve been the result of a health kick, using protein shakes. Each specialist had a new theory , but invented out of thin air. A year later, I had to have an anaesthetic , and mentioned the seizures and convulsions to the anaesthetist. He looked at the medications I was taking and Bingo ! His words to me were, “Nexium is the culprit “. “I can absolutely guarantee it “. He said it was well known to cause the drop in sodium levels, to the near lethal levels I had expected. If it wasn’t for the switched on anaesthetist, I would not have survived. To this day there’s no warning on the label, and it is easily purchased without question. For me, a bit of reflux, is best treated with a simple remedy, such as Gaviscon or store bought antacids. Sometimes, the simplest treatments that have been around forever, have the proven track record. An effective tried and true safe solution. I have never heard of a patient in ICU, because they took Mylanta or Gaviscon. Nexium has the potential to be lethal. Gezabel.

Thanks for warning

 

[DLHM]

OMG! Please be really careful using Omeprazole (Nexium ). It’s such a common medicine, and it’s over the counter, with no label or caution required by the pharmacist. I was actually prescribed Nexium,!twice per day, for abdominal/reflux issues. I ended up having convulsions and seizures….

My son has been off Nexium for the past year after having been prescribed it for 12 years. He just modified his diet and still has a bit of reflux, but not like it was. It’s not a nice medication!

 

[Squizzy1]

At least If I go down the dementie route I won't give a toss about how far the world is out of kilter?

Yeh, after reading these pages dementia could be a blessing.