The elderly’s memory and concentration can be harmed by medication commonly used for the treatment of anxiety, insomnia, itching and allergies.

The finding came from an international team of experts led by Dr. Cara Tannenbaum, Research Chair at the Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal (IUGM, Montreal Geriatric University Institute) and Associate Professor of Medicine and Pharmacy at the University of Montreal (UdeM).

Previous research has indicated that a link may exist between memory and the use of prescription medication in the elderly. Scientists found that while 90% of people ages 65 and older are prescribed at least one drug, 18% of those people report problems with memory and have mild cognitive deficits.

Dr. Tannenbaum and her colleagues set out to determine which prescription medicines negatively impact certain brain functions, including:

  • amnestic- memory
  • non-amnestic- attention, performance, concentration

Data from 162 experiments on treatments with potential to bind to histamine, cholinergic, GABAergic or opioid receptors in the brain was closely examined. Analysis showed that amnestic and non-amnestic deficits can be caused by episodic usage of many medications. However, these possible effects are often disregarded in individuals who are otherwise in good health.

There were 68 reports observed on the treatment for anxiety and insomnia, called benzodiazepines, which showed that these drugs constantly cause impairments in memory and concentration, with an obvious dose-response connection.

After analyzing 15 trials on tricyclic antidepressants and 12 trials on antihistamines, the researchers discovered that they both cause deficits in attention and information processing.

Dr. Tannenbaum’s findings supports the Revised Beers Criteria’s suggestion, published last spring 2012 by the American Geriatrics Society, which stated that seniors should avoid all sleeping pills, which includes first generation antihistamines and tricyclic antidepressants. Her results also coincide with a different report from 2009 which revealed that the use of certain prescribed drugs in elderly people may be associated with cognitive decline.

The authors node that it is critical to explain this information to patients.

Dr. Tannenbaum said:

“Seniors can play an important role in reducing the risks associated with these medications. Patients need this information so that they are more comfortable talking to their doctors and pharmacists about safer pharmacological or non-pharmacological treatment options.”

Each case should also be dealt with on an individual basis.

Tannenbaum continued:

“Despite the known risks, it may be better for some patients to continue their medication instead of having to live with intolerable symptoms. Each individual has a right to make an informed choice based on preference and a thorough understanding of the effects the medications may have on their memory and function.”


Written by Sarah Glynn