Health
Aging and Allergies: Why Seniors Should Rethink Benadryl Use
For many who battle seasonal allergies, Benadryl is often the first line of defense. Yet, as you get older, relying on this popular antihistamine might not be as harmless as it seems. Experts are raising concerns about the potential long-term health risks associated with Benadryl, particularly for older adults.
Research conducted by scientists at Kaiser Permanente Washington highlights the potential dangers of increased use of anticholinergic drugs, a category that includes Benadryl. They have found that these medications can negatively impact physical health in adults over 70, specifically by reducing gait speed and grip strength.
“While you might be most familiar with the name Benadryl, it’s actually just one type of medicine in a larger group known as anticholinergic drugs. These medications specifically work by blocking acetylcholine, which is a neurotransmitter,” as previously reported by Best Life.
This neurotransmitter plays a crucial role in both memory and muscle function. When it is blocked, as it is by anticholinergic drugs, it can lead to impaired movement and flexibility. This interference can increase the risk of falls and other mobility issues in older adults.
A study published in JAMA Network Open examined the effects of cumulative anticholinergic exposure on 4,283 participants with an average age of 74. The results showed that long-term use of these drugs correlated with slower walking speeds. While grip strength was not as severely affected, there was still noticeable deterioration.
“Higher anticholinergic exposure was associated with accelerated decline in physical performance, consistent with clinically meaningful decline. These findings suggest that minimizing anticholinergic medications is important for healthy aging,” the study’s authors concluded.
Beyond physical decline, there are also cognitive risks associated with long-term Benadryl use. A separate study in JAMA Internal Medicine analyzed health data from 3,500 adults over 64 and found a connection between anticholinergic drug use and cognitive decline.
“This was especially true of participants who took the drugs regularly, with the team finding those taking one of the drugs for three years or more were 54 percent more likely to develop dementia than participants who only took them for three months or less,” as explained by Best Life.
While occasional use of Benadryl for seasonal allergies may not pose a significant threat, regular year-round use could be harmful. If you find yourself relying on Benadryl or similar medications frequently, it might be wise to consult with your doctor. Pay attention to any changes in mobility, grip strength, and memory, as these could be early warning signs of the drug’s impact.
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