Camilla Jessen
This popular prescription may be hurting your mobility.
A new study suggests that older adults who regularly take a common type of medication may be ageing faster — at least when it comes to how their bodies move.
The drugs in question are called anticholinergics, and they’re often used to treat conditions like Parkinson’s disease, bladder problems, and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
Researchers say these medications, when taken over long periods, are linked to a noticeable decline in walking speed.
Published in JAMA Open Network, the study followed over 4,000 older adults between 1994 and 2020 and tracked their use of these drugs, comparing that to changes in their walking and grip strength over time.
While grip strength didn’t seem to be affected, the researchers found that people with higher exposure to anticholinergics walked more slowly as they aged.
“Higher anticholinergic exposure was associated with accelerated decline in physical performance,” the study noted. “The loss adds up over time and becomes meaningful.”
How these medications work
Anticholinergic drugs work by blocking a brain chemical called acetylcholine, which helps control many functions in the body.
These drugs are helpful for certain health conditions but can also affect thinking, memory, and coordination.
Doctors have known about the short-term side effects for years, but this study shows the long-term risks may also include physical decline — especially for older adults.
Doctors urged to reconsider prescriptions
The study’s authors are calling on doctors to be more careful when prescribing these drugs.
They suggest only using them when truly necessary, giving the lowest dose possible, and checking in often to see if they can be stopped safely.
As balance and movement problems are linked to higher risks of falls, disability, and even death, the researchers say reducing use of these drugs could help older people stay healthy for longer.
The article is based on information from The Independent.
This article is made and published by Camilla Jessen, who may have used AI in the preparation
