Tricyclic Antidepressants Increase Risk Of Dementia

JAMA Internal Medicine recently published the largest study (Cumulative Use of Strong Anticholinergics and Incident Dementia) consisting 3434 participants over the age 65, looking at anticholinergics and their associated impact for an increased risk for dementia. Whilst anticholinergics cover a few areas, the one I am concerned about is tricyclic antidepressants, being a medication used to treat Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and its associated comorbid disorders. The conclusion was significant, and scary in relation to increased use of such medications, "Higher cumulative anticholinergic use is associated with an increased risk for dementia. Efforts to increase awareness among health care professionals and older adults about this potential medication-related risk are important to minimize anticholinergic use over time." Results concluded that those using anticholinergics significantly within their daily medication regime, 23% obtained dementia, of which 80% went on to furt
https://www.ptsdnews.com/item/1-tricyclic-antidepressants-increase-risk-of-dementia-alzheimers