A new study finds some of the most common cold and allergy medicines are linked to brain shrinkage and Alzheimer's. Chances are, you've bought some of these medicines before, and they may even still be in your medicine cabinet at home.
The medications include Unisom, Dimetapp, Demerol, Dramamine, and Benadryl. Researchers say this new study reinforces a link between these meds and brain damage.
Recommended Videos
Links between brain damage and the use of Benadryl are particularly troubling as we go through the peak of allergy season. Many of these medications can also be purchased over the counter (OTC).
"That's definitely something I want to look more into and research” said Katy Tag, who buys OTC medicine. “I'm interested to see what the studies are."
This study finds there's a link between some of these meds and cognitive impairment. They are considered to be “anticholinergic”, which means the medication blocks neurotransmitters in the brain.
Dr. Sunil Joshi is a local allergist. He explains the components found in these types of medicines can decrease the brain's metabolism. Over time, that can lead to memory loss, or worse.
"It decreases the metabolic activity of the brain” Joshi said. “So like anything else, the brain is a muscle. If you're decreasing the use of that muscle, it shrinks some. The size of the brain, researchers have linked that to Alzheimer's.”
The elderly can be especially vulnerable. Researchers now encourage them to avoid taking these types of medicines.
News4Jax asked Dr. Joshi which medicines he recommends instead of some of the ones mentioned earlier. He suggested Claritin, Zyrtec, or Allegra. But he points out, daily use of any over the counter drug can be harmful. As always, it's best to talk to your doctor before taking anything.
