Common Nerve-Acting Drug Linked to Faster Ageing, Study Warns

Frequent use of a widely prescribed class of drugs known as anticholinergics may accelerate physical ageing in older adults, according to new research published in JAMA Open Network.

The study, which tracked more than 4,000 adults between 1994 and 2020, found that high exposure to anticholinergic medications, used to treat conditions such as COPD, bladder disorders, and Parkinson’s disease, was linked to a faster decline in walking speed, though grip strength remained largely unaffected.

Anticholinergic drugs block acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter vital to nerve communication, which can lead to cognitive and sedative side effects. Researchers warn that prolonged use may have lasting impacts on mobility and physical performance.

«Higher anticholinergic exposure was associated with accelerated decline in physical performance,» the authors wrote, noting that these effects could become clinically significant over time.

The findings underscore the need for caution in prescribing such drugs to older adults. Scientists urged clinicians to use the lowest effective doses, reassess patients regularly, and seek opportunities to de-prescribe to support healthy ageing.