Dementia represents one of our most pressing public health challenges, a progressive condition that devastates individuals and families alike. While age and genetics are known risk factors, a growing body of evidence points to a more surprising and preventable contributor: the medications in our own medicine cabinets. For many, especially older adults managing multiple conditions, the very drugs prescribed to protect their health may be silently undermining their cognitive function.
The issue often isn’t a single « bad » drug, but the cumulative effect of multiple medications—a practice known as polypharmacy. This can lead to complex interactions and side effects that mimic or accelerate cognitive decline. Understanding which drug classes carry the highest risk is the first step in safeguarding brain health.
