Study Links Common Antidepressants to Faster Cognitive Decline in Dementia Patients

Research from Sweden suggests that certain SSRIs may accelerate dementia progression, though causality remains unclear.

A Swedish study analyzed data from 18,740 dementia patients, finding faster cognitive decline in those treated with certain antidepressants.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), including Escitalopram, Citalopram, and Sertralin, were most associated with accelerated cognitive decline.
The study could not determine whether the decline was caused by the medications or the underlying depressive symptoms.
Experts stress the importance of tailoring antidepressant treatments to individual dementia patients to mitigate potential risks.
Researchers aim to identify patient subgroups who may respond better or worse to specific antidepressants to improve personalized care.