Common drugs 'can affect memory of older adults'

New research has found common drugs could be having a negative impact on the memory and concentration of older adults.

A study led by Dr Cara Tannenbaum, research chair at the Institut universitaire de geriatrie de Montreal and associate professor of medicine and pharmacy at the University of Montreal, found medication to treat insomnia, anxiety, itching or allergies can affect concentration and memory.

As many as 90 per cent of people over the age of 65 take at least one prescription medication and 18 per cent of individuals in this age group complain of memory problems and are found to have mild cognitive deficits.

"Patients need this information so that they are more comfortable talking to their doctors and pharmacists about safer pharmacological or non-pharmacological treatment options," said Dr Tannenbaum.

A study recently conducted at Rutgers University found that memory could also be negatively affected by drinking a moderate amount of alcohol on a regular basis.

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