A 15-year study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease found that people who reported taking sleep medications "often or almost always" had a significantly increased risk of developing dementia.
Specific medications studied included:
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Antihistamines (diphenhydramine, doxylamine)
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Trazodone
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Zolpidem (Ambien)
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Benzodiazepines (temazepam, estazolam)
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Certain antidepressants with sedating effects
What to do: Try non-medication approaches first: consistent bedtime routines, avoiding caffeine/alcohol before bed, limiting naps, and cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), which has strong efficacy without medication risks.
💔 4. Antidepressants (Certain Types)
What the research shows:
The Swedish nationwide study identified certain antidepressants among the strong anticholinergic medications associated with increased dementia risk. Specifically:
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Amitriptyline
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Nortriptyline
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Paroxetine (unique among SSRIs for its anticholinergic effects)
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Doxepin (especially at higher doses)
Important nuance: Not all antidepressants carry this risk. SSRIs like sertraline (Zoloft) , citalopram (Celexa) , and escitalopram (Lexapro) have lower anticholinergic burden.
What to do: Don't stop your antidepressant abruptly. If you're concerned, ask your doctor about switching to a lower-risk option.
🫀 5. Proton Pump Inhibitors (Prilosec, Nexium, Prevacid)
Used for: Acid reflux, GERD, heartburn
What the research shows:
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