Linking aging, anticholinergic drugs use, and cognitive impairment

Aging is associated with a progressive cognitive decline as well as an increased risk of dementia. But aging is also itself associated with the risk of age-related chronic diseases, which leads to the use of many drugs. An increasing number of longitudinal cohort studies have identified a risk increase for dementia by the chronic use of drugs with anticholinergic properties. In long-term use it may cause a worsening of cognitive function leading to an overdiagnosis of dementia. The prescription of these drugs should be controlled and reduced where possible.