adults aged 65 and older found that higher cumulative exposure to strong anticholinergic medications was associated with a greater risk of dementia. Researchers emphasized that additional studies were needed to determine whether stopping these medicines reduces long-term risk.
This is an association, not proof that every person taking an anticholinergic medicine will develop dementia.
## Memory Problems Have Many Other Causes
Medication is only one possible explanation.
Memory changes can also result from:
* Normal aging
* Depression
* Anxiety
* Poor sleep
* Vitamin deficiencies
* Thyroid disorders
* Diabetes
* Stroke
* Infection
* Alcohol use
* Hearing problems
* Mild
