Increased Risk of Dementia (with Chronic Anti-Cholinergic Use)
Epidemiology: anticholinergic-induced cognitive impairment is generally considered reversible on discontinuation of anticholinergic therapy
However, studies suggest that anticholinergic agents may be associated with an increased risk for dementia
Prospective Cohort Study (JAMA Int Med, 2015) [MEDLINE]: higher cumulative anticholinergic use (most commonly tricyclic antidepressants, first-generation antihistamines, and bladder anti-muscarinics) was associated with an increased risk for dementia