Can antipsychotics contribute to the development of Alzheimer's?
Several relatives have Alzheimer's. I started taking antipsychotics when I was 35 and now I am 50. Are there any studies that suggest that taking antipsychotics can contribute to the development of Alzheimer's?
Carolyn
Hi Carolyn,
I'm not a medical doctor but my understanding is that almost any drug can have an effect on brain function. So far as drug-induced cognitive impairment leading to dementia is concerned, I think the main lines of evidence are drawn from people who are already elderly. Drug-induced dementia can occur but is spotted on the basis of reversible symptoms if the drugs are removed. The website medscape has a good article on this very topic. Click here for the link.
Hope this helps. I'd be interested to read any other postings on this topic, or if you come across other lines of evidence.
Jerry
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Hi Carolyn,
Dr. Paul Ballas [an expert here] wrote a SharePost on this topic within the last two weeks. Click on "Latest SharePosts" for his blog entry.
Regards,
Chri
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