Health - Wellness
Does Benadryl Increase Your Dementia Risk?
By ERIN MARIE
Benadryl is a popular over-the-counter antihistamine commonly used to relieve allergy symptoms. It belongs to a class of drugs known as anticholinergics.
A 2015 JAMA Internal Medicine study found that those who had used anticholinergic drugs like Benadryl for an extended period were at a higher risk for developing dementia.
The research showed that the risk of all-cause dementia was notably higher in individuals who had taken these medications for three years or more.
While cognitive impairment is a recognized side effect of anticholinergic drugs, it is typically reversible once a patient stops taking the medication.
However, there is a growing belief among some medical professionals that the cognitive impairments caused by anticholinergic drugs could persist even after they are discontinued.