Health experts are urging older adults to exercise caution with sleep aids, warning that certain medications can increase the risk of dementia. Recent studies published in The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) highlight a concerning link between sleep drugs, particularly anticholinergic medications, and long-term cognitive decline.
Anticholinergic medications interfere with the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is vital for memory, learning, and muscle control. By blocking acetylcholine, these drugs can alter how the brain functions. “It actually changes the mapping of our brain and how it functions,” explained Dr. Sandra Petersen, DNP, in an interview with WLBT.
“It takes away some of those important neurotransmitters that you need to have thought. It actually ties those up so you can’t use them.” According to Healthline, anticholinergic drugs include a wide range of prescriptions such as pupil dilators, anti-nausea medications, incontinence treatments, antidepressants, and antipsychotics.
Although these medications may be necessary in some cases, specialists recommend limiting their use among seniors. “Senior adults should only utilize anticholinergic medications temporarily,” Petersen emphasized. The concern extends to benzodiazepines, a class of drugs commonly prescribed for insomnia and anxiety.
These medications, which include alprazolam, diazepam, lorazepam, clonazepam, temazepam, estazolam, and flurazepam, are known for their sedative effects. However, they also carry anticholinergic properties. “Benzodiazepines have been found to have anticholinergic activity, which increases the risk for dementia,” said Dr. Percy Griffin, Director of Scientific Engagement at the Alzheimer’s Association.
Beyond dementia risk, benzodiazepines may trigger side effects such as irritability, memory problems, vivid dreams, and dependency. Experts stress that while these drugs can provide short-term relief, safer alternatives should be considered for long-term sleep management, reports the Irish Star.
Doctors recommend adopting natural sleep strategies to reduce reliance on medication. Petersen advised several simple habits to encourage better rest: “Staying away from blue light late in the evening, getting 20 minutes of sunlight during the day, and exercising. Sometimes, if we reset those regimens within our brain, the brain responds.”
Hackensack Meridian Health adds to this advice, encouraging practices such as creating a consistent sleep routine, avoiding caffeine and heavy meals late in the day, and ensuring the bedroom environment is quiet and comfortable.
The findings underscore the importance of balancing medical treatments with lifestyle adjustments, particularly for older adults at higher risk of dementia. While sleep medications can be useful when prescribed carefully, doctors stress that non-drug approaches remain the safest path for long-term brain health.