Recently, I wrote a blog post about vaccines and older adults, summarizing research about the off-target benefits of various vaccines including some that decrease the risk of dementia. Recent news has also highlighted medications that may lower dementia risk, as well as some that may be detrimental to cognitive health.
Medications that May Lower the Risk of Dementia
A 2026 New York Times article by Dana G. Smith highlights common medications in use for various health purposes that that may result in decreased dementia risk:
- Cholesterol and Blood Pressure Medications
Statins and drugs that treat hypertension are associated with approximately 10-15% reduced risk of dementia. Though most of the research in this areas has been observational, a 2025 clinical trial in China found that people with hypertension who were given a medication to address it had lower rates of dementia four years later. Clinical trials are underway to assess whether people who do not need medications for their heart health could take these medications to prevent dementia.
- Anti-Inflammatory Medications
Neuroinflammation is a known contributor to Dementia of the Alzheimer’s Type. Anti-inflammatory medications may provide protection for the brain by helping reduce inflammation in the brain as well as in the rest of the body. A recent review found that anti-inflammatories were associated with reduced risk of dementia, though other research investigating this association has been mixed, and additional research is needed in this area of study.
- Diabetes Medications
Diabetes is known to be associated with an increased risk of dementia. Some drugs that target Type 2 diabetes, including Metformin and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, may lower that risk to a moderate degree. This may be because these drugs reduce inflammation, or possibly even lower levels of amyloid beta (a protein involved in Dementia of the Alzheimer’s Type) in the brain.
- GLP-1 Medications
Observational studies note that people with diabetes who took GLP-1 medications had a lower risk of developing Dementia of the Alzheimer’s Type, though additional research on the pill form of Ozempic did not find this benefit. Additional research on GLP-1s and dementia risk are needed.
Medications That May Increase the Risk of Dementia
In addition to findings about medications that may reduce the risk of dementia, studies suggest that some commonly prescribed medications may increase the risk of dementia.
- Anticholinergic Medications
Anticholinergic medications, which treat a variety of conditions including allergies, depression, high blood pressure, and incontinence, were associated with an increased risk of dementia in people who used them for longer than a few months.
- Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines, which treat conditions including anxiety and sleep disturbance, are also associated with increased risk of dementia in those who used them for longer than a few months.
- Proton Pump Inhibitors
Used to treat reflux and heartburn, long-term use of proton pump inhibitors is linked to an increase risk of dementia, though findings in this area of study are mixed, and additional research is needed.
- Antipsychotic Medications
A 2024 study noted that exposure to any antipsychotics (including typical and atypical antipsychotics) confers increased risk of dementia. A dose-response relationship was described.
- Diabetes Medications
Though some medications targeting Type 2 diabetes have an association with reduced risk of dementia (as noted above), some diabetes drugs (Sulfonylureas and Meglitinides) are associated with a higher risk of dementia.
This blog intends to summarize findings on several common medications and their associations with dementia risk, but is not intended as medical advice. Any changes in a medication regime should be monitored closely by a physician directing your medical care.
If you are concerned about cognitive changes in yourself or a loved one related to aging, including concerns for Mild Cognitive Impairment or dementia, and you are interested in assessment, please feel free to reach out to me by email at amy@amyblackmonphd.com.