A common drug taken by millions of Britis can accelerate dementia.
But experts warned that this could be a situation that is associated with memory deteriorating memory.
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The study saw the health data of 18,740 patients, whose average age was 78 years, recently diagnosed with dementia.
About 23 percent was treated with antidepressants.
During the study, a total of 11,912 tips of the antidepressant were registered.
The selective serotonin was responsible for 65 percent of the prescription in the Serotonin Reppete inhibitor (SSRI).
Using standard cognitive tests, the study found that the high dose of SSRI was associated with a sharp decline in cognitive scores in average follow -up and more severe dementia symptoms, according to research published in BMC Medicine.
The men taking antidepressants appeared to experience a rapid cognitive decline compared to women, found in the study of the Karolinska Institute.
But another square of antidepressants, serotonin norpenephrine reptec inhibitors (SNRI), did not show the same effect.
SSRI Escitalopram appeared to speed up the cognitive decline, followed by SSRIS Citalopram and Sertraline.
The negative cognitive effects of Mirtazapine were low.
Antidepressants can often be determined by people with dementia to help reduce specific symptoms, such as depression, anxiety or sleep issues.
Dr. Research and Innovation Associate Director at Alzheimer’s Society. Richard Okle said: “(Study) did not dismiss the possibility that changes were due to the presence of depression rather than anti -sedative use, so research was required to understand further research. The effects of antidepressants.”
Director of Center for Discovery Brain Sciences at the University of Edinburgh, Prof. Tara Spire-Jones, who were not involved in research, said: “Those who needed antidepressants, may have a more aggressive disease or depression affect the disease. May progress
Researchers, led by Sarah Garcia-Placec, said that future studies would help clarify their results.
About nine million Brits take antidepressants.
Estimated 8.7 million identified patients received an antidepressant drug item in 2023/24.
A previous study published in British medical journal A similar link was found in 2018.
Researchers examined GP records of over 40,000 people over 65 years of age and with dementia and about 300,000 without.
The results showed that people who had taken medicines four to 20 years ago were more likely to be diagnosed with dementia.
Possible side effects of ‘Happy Pills’
Antidepressants can be highly effective in treating depression and other mental health conditions, but like all drugs, they can cause side effects.
Below is a generalized list of possible side effects:
- Cell or disturbed stomach
- Insomnia
- Dizziness
- dry mouth
- Headache
- Weight change (profit or loss)
- Sweat increased
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Sexual laxity
- Feeling worried, restless or excited, especially when starting treatment
- Blurred vision
- Fatigue or low energy
- Changes in appetite
- An increase in blood pressure (for some drugs)
- If the risk of withdrawal symptoms suddenly stop (eg, dizziness, irritability, flu)
- Rare but severe side effects, such as serotonin syndrome (due to excessive serotonin levels, leading to confusion, rapid heart rate and muscle stiffness)
In young people (less than 25), antidepressants can temporarily increase the risk of suicidal ideas or behavior, especially during the early stages of treatment.
Older adults may be at risk of low sodium levels (hyponatra) with some antidepressants.
Not everyone will experience side effects, and for many people, the benefits of treatment are ahead of risks.
If there are side effects, they are often mild and improve because the body adjusts the drug. However, severe or persistent side effects should be informed to a doctor.
Do not suddenly stop taking antidepressant suddenly without consulting a healthcare professional.