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Drugs widely prescribed to the elderly could be responsible for a decline in cognitive and physical function according to research from the University of East Anglia and the Regenstrief Institute.
A new report reveals that anti-cholinergic drugs - which are used to treat conditions including asthma, high blood pressure, insomnia, dizziness and diarrhoea - could impact physical functions in elderly patients such as eating and getting dressed.
Up to half the UK's elderly population are prescribed at least one medication with anti-cholinergic properties. Other anti-cholinergic drugs are also sold over the counter without the need for a prescription.
These medications affect the brain by blocking a key neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. But they have been associated with side effects including dizziness, sedation, confusion, delirium, constipation and blurred vision.