A List of Drugs Linked to Dementia

Dementia is a growing concern for many older adults in the U.S. — especially Alzheimer’s disease. And researchers are learning more about how the choices we make today can affect our risk in the future.

In addition to lifestyle factors, the medications you take on a daily basis may be impacting your risk of dementia. Here are five common drug classes linked to dementia and what the research says about your risk.

1. Anticholinergic medications

Anticholinergics refer to a large class of medications that all share one similarity: they block a chemical called acetylcholine in your body. Acetylcholine works like a chemical messenger in your nervous system. It affects learning, memory, movement, and even emotions. 

In one large study of almost 300,000 people, the risk of dementia was significantly higher in those who had taken the highest doses of strong anticholinergic medications. Another large study of adults over 65 years old confirmed these findings. Other studies have shown that the use of an anticholinergic medication can worsen dementia in people who are already having cognitive decline.

But not all studies have such clear-cut findings. For example, diphenhydramine (Benadryl) has strong anticholinergic activity. But current research isn’t clear on whether it increases your risk of dementia. 

Some common anticholinergic medications include antihistamines, tricyclic antidepressants, medications for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and overactive bladder medications. You may want to take this risk into account if you’re deciding whether to take these medications.

Antihistamine medications include: 

• Diphenhydramine (Benadryl, Advil PM, Tylenol PM)

• Chlorpheniramine (Chlor-tab, Aller-Chlor, Coricidin HBP)

• Doxylamine (Unisom)

Tricyclic antidepressants include: 

• Doxepin (Silenor) 

• Nortriptyline (Pamelor) 

• Amitriptyline (Elavil)

IBS medications include: 

• Hyoscyamine (Levsin) 

• Dicyclomine (Bentyl)

Overactive bladder medications include:

• Darifenacin ER (Enablex)

• Oxybutynin (Ditropan)

• Tolterodine (Detrol, Detrol LA)

• Trospium (Sanctura)

• Solifenacin (Vesicare)

• Fesoterodine (Toviaz)

2. Proton pump inhibitors

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and dementia risk is an ongoing topic of debate. Some studies over the past decade suggest that people with dementia are more likely to be taking PPIs. But a 2026 review of all the available evidence didn’t find a convincing link between the two. Even if there’s a connection, it’s unlikely that PPIs directly cause dementia.

If you’re an older adult who takes a daily PPI, it may be helpful to discuss this with your healthcare team. For many people, the benefits may outweigh the risk of any potential link to dementia.

PPIs include:

• Omeprazole (Prilosec)

• Lansoprazole (Prevacid)

• Esomeprazole (Nexium)

• Pantoprazole (Protonix)

3. Pain medications

Many people are aware that opioid pain medications can lead to dependence, overdose, and even death. But in addition to these concerns, studies show that people with heavy, long-term use of opioid medications have a slightly higher risk of getting dementia. 

There has also been some research connecting nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) — a common over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever — to an increased risk of dementia. But this relationship is less certain. Some research has even found that people who take NSAIDs over the long term may have decreased dementia risk.

It’s also unclear whether the risk of dementia is related to taking pain medication, the effects of chronic pain on the brain, or a combination of both. One newer study showed that older adults with chronic pain had a higher risk of developing dementia. This study didn’t measure how many of these adults were taking pain medications, so additional research is needed. 

Opioid medications include: 

• Morphine

• Hydrocodone (Norco)

• Hydromorphone (Dilaudid)

• Fentanyl (Duragesic)

NSAIDs include:

• Naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn)

• Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)

• Indomethacin (Indocin)

4. Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines (often called “benzos”) have been linked to dementia, especially in older adults. But not all research supports this link. 

Regardless of the possible link to dementia, older adults should be cautious with these medications. Benzodiazepines can cause many other concerning side effects, including long-term dependence, breathing problems, and confusion. They can also cause drowsiness, problems with cognition, and even death. The risk for impaired brain functioning is increased when higher doses are taken over an extended period of time.

Benzodiazepine medications include:

• Lorazepam (Ativan)

• Clonazepam (Klonopin)

• Diazepam (Valium)

• Alprazolam (Xanax, Niravam)

If you or a loved one takes one of these medications, talk with a healthcare professional. You may be able to take the lowest dose possible and still treat your symptoms.

5. Ambien (Zolpidem)

Zolpidem (Ambien) is a common sleep medication that has been linked to dementia. Several research studies have found that adults who take Ambien are more likely to develop dementia. And a study from Taiwan found that the risk increases with more frequent use. In other words, people who took more doses over their lifetime had a higher risk for dementia. 

Similar to other medications on this list, not all the research draws the same conclusion. Some studies suggest that the risk of dementia with Ambien is less than the risk associated with benzodiazepines. But Ambien can also cause other serious side effects, so this is one to keep on the radar.

How to minimize medication-related dementia risk

If you take any of the above medications, don’t let this list cause unnecessary worry. Researchers are still learning which medications may increase the risk of dementia and how much risk they carry. For many people, the benefits of some of these medications outweigh any potential harm.

But there are still ways you can minimize any potential medication-related dementia risk:

• Make a list of all the medications you take, including the dose and how often you take them. It’s important to be honest about your use, even if it’s different from how they are prescribed.

• Schedule an appointment with your primary care provider to review this list. Together, you can review if any of these medications can be stopped or taken less frequently.

• Ask about alternative options for treatment, particularly if other options come with fewer side effects.

• Come up with a plan to reduce how often you take anticholinergic medications, opioids, benzodiazepines, or Ambien (if appropriate). These medications typically carry the risk of other dangerous side effects and are often taken only when needed.

Most importantly, remember that there are other ways to reduce your risk of dementia beyond addressing your medications.

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Written by:

Nicole Rowe, MD

Dr. Nicole Rowe, MD, is a telehealth family practice physician. She received her medical degree from the University of North Carolina School of Medicine and completed her residency in family medicine at University of Colorado’s Swedish Medical Center.

Edited by:

Katie E. Golden, MD

Katie E. Golden, MD, is a board-certified emergency medicine physician and a medical editor at GoodRx.

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