MHRA urges older adults to cut back on anticholinergic medicines amid dementia uncertainty
The UK MHRA advises older adults to limit how many anticholinergic medicines they take and use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time after a safety review found a small, uncertain link between bladder anticholinergics and dementia. While evidence does not prove causation, prolonged exposure and use of multiple anticholinergics may raise cognitive risks, so clinicians should minimize exposure. Bladder antimuscarinics are commonly used for overactive bladder, a condition frequently seen in dementia, and memory- or confusion-related side effects are noted, prompting a cautious approach to long-term use.