Anticholinergics: The Hidden Side of Popular Drugs.
Anticholinergics are used to treat various conditions, including Parkinson's disease and urinary disorders. They work by blocking acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter key to memory and learning. Studies show they increase the risk of dementia. For example, a University of Washington study followed more than 3,500 older adults for 10 years and found that those who regularly used anticholinergics had a 54% increased risk of developing dementia.