Camilla Jessen
A new study has raised concerns about a widely used class of medications taken daily by millions of seniors, suggesting they may accelerate the aging process.
Slow steps, weakened muscles, and poor balance are often seen as unavoidable parts of getting older.
But what if these changes aren’t just about age — and instead, stem from something in your medicine cabinet?
A Silent Breakdown of the Body
A large-scale study involving more than 4,000 elderly participants has drawn attention to a medical issue that many doctors and patients have long overlooked.
Over nearly three decades, researchers tracked participants’ physical performance and compared it with detailed records of their medication use.
One category of drugs stood out.
Used to Treat Many Conditions
The focus is on anticholinergic medications, a group of drugs prescribed for conditions ranging from bladder issues and Parkinson’s disease to COPD.
These medications work by blocking the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which plays a key role in the body’s nervous system. While effective at easing certain symptoms, this mechanism can also trigger unintended side effects.
The most well-known side effects have been cognitive, including drowsiness and memory problems, usually reversible once the medication is stopped.
But new research suggests the impact may go beyond cognition.
Physical Decline Tied to Medication
Researchers found that the more exposure participants had to anticholinergic drugs over time, the faster their walking speed declined.
Although grip strength remained stable, the decline in mobility was considered clinically significant.
Participants experienced slower walking, poorer balance, and a heightened risk of falls — all contributing to a reduced quality of life.
This article is based on reporting from The Independent.
