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Abstract
Context
The cognitive side effects of medications with anticholinergic activity have been documented among older adults in a variety of clinical settings. However, there has been no systematic confirmation that acute or chronic prescribing of such medications lead to transient or permanent adverse cognitive outcomes.
Objective
Evaluate the existing evidence regarding the effects of anticholinergic medications on cognition in older adults.
Data sources
We searched the MEDLINE, OVID, and CINAHL databases from January, 1966 to January, 2008 for eligible studies.
Study selection
Studies were included if the anticholinergic activity was systematically measured and correlated with standard measurements of cognitive performance. Studies were excluded if they reported case studies, case series, editorials, and review articles.
Data extraction
We extracted the method used to determine anticholinergic activity of medications and its association with cognitive outcomes.
Results
Twenty-seven studies met our inclusion criteria. Serum anticholinergic assay was the main method used to determine anticholinergic activity. All but two studies found an association between the anticholinergic activity of medications and either delirium, cognitive impairment or dementia.
Conclusions
Medications with anticholinergic activity negatively affect the cognitive performance of older adults. Recognizing the anticholinergic activity of certain medications may represent a potential tool to improve cognition.
Acknowledgements
Supported by Grant (K23 AG 26770-01) from the John A. Hartford Foundation, the Atlantic Philanthropies, the Starr Foundation, and the National Institute on Aging. The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.