Implications of medication on cognition

Medicines may cause a number of unintentional effects on a person’s cognition e.g. memory, thoughts and behaviour (see below). These effects may become apparent as soon as a new medication is started or a dose is changed, or may occur gradually over a period of time.

The effects may be due to the anticholinergic and/or sedative effects of these medications. Other potential adverse effects of these medications include:

Cognition may be adversely affected by the anticholinergic and/or sedative effects of many medications.

In the Medications List:

• HIGH RISK medications have the strongest anticholinergic effects, and may be considered as the MOST LIKELY to affect cognition.
• LOWER RISK medications have less anticholinergic effect, and are more likely to affect cognition when used in combination with other medications in the Medications List or at high doses.

Many of the medications listed in the Medications List have sedative effects which may also impair cognition.

Other potential adverse effects of these medications include:

Anticholinergic effects

• Dry mouth
• Urinary retention
• Constipation
• Irregular heart rate
• Blurred vision

Sedative effects

• Feeling sleepier/increased lethargy
• Slurred speech
• Dizziness, unsteadiness