Overview

• The longitudinal cohort of over 4,000 older adults from the Adult Changes in Thought study provided cumulative exposure data from 1994 to 2020 and measured gait speed and grip strength.
• Individuals with the highest anticholinergic exposure experienced accelerated declines in walking speed, a clinically meaningful marker linked to frailty, disability and mortality.
• The study found no significant association between anticholinergic use and changes in grip strength.
• Anticholinergic drugs, including over-the-counter sleep aids and prescriptions for COPD, bladder issues and Parkinson’s, inhibit acetylcholine and disrupt nervous system functions.
• Researchers advise clinicians to prescribe the lowest effective anticholinergic doses and conduct regular medication reviews to identify de-prescribing opportunities.