Study: Common Cold and Allergy Medication Linked to Alzheimer’s and Brain Shrinkage

When most of us get a stuffy nose or an itchy throat, we often begin searching our medicine cabinet (or head to the nearest pharmacy) to find some sort of common congestion reliever. Although many people know that they cause certain side effects, we continue to take them due to their effectiveness at relieving congestion and allowing us to go about our day.

However, a recent study may make you think twice about swallowing that next spoonful of Benadryl.

Over-The-Counter Drug’s Effect on the Brain

A recent study conducted at the Indiana University Center for Aging Research suggests that taking common drugs for sinus treatment, such as cold and allergy medications, can have negative effects on the brain during older age.

According to researchers, taking these drugs has been associated with a decreased brain size in older adults as well as an increased risk of developing dementia or Alzheimer’s later on in life.

The study’s participants consisted of 3,690 older adults, and it was the first of its kind to try and observe the effects that these type of drugs have on the brain after between two to three months of continuous use.

Researchers used brain imaging techniques to scan changes that occurred after the two to three month period. They found that the participants brains had both a slower metabolism and had decreased in size.

According to study co-author Dr. Noll Campbell, this is due to the anticholinergic effect that these class of drugs have on the brain. This is because anticholingeric drugs block a nervous system neurotransmitter called acetylcholine.

“We found that a high anticholinergic burden — either from one or multiple drugs — plus two to three months of continuous exposure to that high burden approximately doubled the risk of developing cognitive impairment,” Campbell said. “Millions of older adults are taking sleeping pills or prescription drugs year after year that may be impacting their organizational abilities and memory.”

Although these drugs may be effective and helping get of congestion, you should ask yourself if it’s really worth risking your brain health. Especially when there are a variety of natural and effective options available.

Natural Decongestants

Although many of us are used to taking convenient pills or bitter-tasting syrups to treat our congestion, there are a variety of natural foods that can not only relieve congestion, but protect your brain health and reduce your risk of dementia at the same time!

Turmeric contains effective anti-inflammatory properties that will not only reduce your congestion but will also lower your risk of developing Alzheimer’s. It is the active ingredient in turmeric, called curcumin, that provides these anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory health benefits. India has an incredibly low prevalence of Alzheimer’s and they are by far the largest consumer of turmeric compared to any other country.

Ginger has been used for centuries to treat conditions such as the cold and flu. It has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce congestion of the chest and sinuses, and it also is a rich source of vitamin C and other anti-oxidants that can help ward of sicknesses.

You can get the benefits of both of these foods by using them as a spice for your meals. Or, you can make a Turmeric-Ginger tea for fast and effective relief from congestion.

Turmeric-Ginger Tea Recipe

Ingredients:

1 cup of water
1/4 teaspoon of ground turmeric
1/4 teaspoon of finely diced ginger

1/2 tablespoon of honey (optional)
1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon (optional)

Instructions:

Bring water to a boil
Add turmeric and ginger
Add cinnamon if preferred

Mix briefly
Bring down to medium-low heat and let simmer for 15 minutes
Strain tea into a mug or glass and add honey if preferred for additional congestion relief and flavor

This is an incredibly simple recipe that will provide immediate relief from congestion symptoms and will also help reduce your risk of developing dementia or Alzheimer’s. To find out more about natural decongestants, click here.