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Drug-Induced Cognition Disorders in the Elderly

Incidence, Prevention and Management

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Abstract

The aetiology of cognitive impairment is multifactorial; however, drugs are an important cause of delirium and dementia. Several factors may increase the risk of drug-induced cognition disorders in the elderly including imbalances in neurotransmitters (e.g. acetylcholine), age-related alterations in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, and high levels of medication use.

Nearly any drug can cause cognitive impairment in susceptible individuals; however, certain classes are more commonly implicated. Benzodiazepines, opioids, anticholinergics, and tricyclic antidepressants are probably the worst offenders. Older antihypertensive agents (reserpine, clonidine) have negative effects on cognition; however, large clinical trials in the elderly indicate that commonly used agents [e.g. thiazide diuretics, calcium antagonists (amiodipine, diltiazem) ACE inhibitors (captopril, enalapril) and β-blockers (atenolol)] have minimal effects on cognition. Newer antidepressants such as selective serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and reversible inhibitors of monoamine oxidase A have not been shown to have negative effects on cognition. Although some drugs have shown low risk for causing cognition disorders in research studies, risk may be increased in frail older adults taking several medications and each case should be reviewed carefully.

Identification of drug-induced cognitive impairment is crucial to early detection and resolution of symptoms. Preventive strategies directed at avoiding high risk medications when possible, appropriately adjusting doses based on agerelated changes and close follow-up may prevent these conditions.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Box 357630, Seattle, Washington, WA 98195, USA

    Shelly L. Gray

  2. Department of Pharmacy, Harborview Medical Center, Seattle, Washington, USA

    Katie V. Lai

  3. Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA

    Eric B. Larson

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  1. Shelly L. Gray
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  2. Katie V. Lai
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  3. Eric B. Larson
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Correspondence to Shelly L. Gray.

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Gray, S.L., Lai, K.V. & Larson, E.B. Drug-Induced Cognition Disorders in the Elderly. Drug-Safety 21, 101–122 (1999). https://doi.org/10.2165/00002018-199921020-00004

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