Sleeping can be difficult when we are sick so reaching for a cold medicine that also induces sleep, is very common. Cold pills that have diphenhydramine (an antihistamine), can create symptoms similar to dementia. A healthy brain is greatly dependent upon neurotransmitters, chemicals that allow to the brain cells to communicate with each other. Acetylcholine is one of the most important neurotransmitters, as it is essential for learning and memory. People with Alzheimer’s disease contain much lower levels of this chemical in their brain.
According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Interventions in Aging in 2009, diphenhydramine blocks acetylcholine. Other studies have shown that older adults who consume OTC medications that block acetylcholine for more than three months at a time highly increase their risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Also, both OTC cold medicine and prescription medications contain antihistamines like the kind you can find in Benadryl. You could be taking more than one kind of pill containing this substance, which then builds up in the brain, causing even more symptoms of cognitive impairment.
Thankfully, the negative effects that OTC medicine and prescription pills have on the brain are not permanent. The brain normally recovers once it is allowed to build back up to regular levels of acetylcholine. The restoration process starts as soon as the medication is stopped.
This study does not mean you should be afraid to take medications to relieve symptoms. Taking them for a few days is not harmful to your brain. Keep in mind that taking them for a long period of time or using them as a sleep aid, is definitely taking a risk. For alternatives, you can find many herbs and minerals used as sleep aids, including melatonin, magnesium and valerian. If you have are particularly concerned, speak with your doctor about this matter.
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