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Cold Medication Taken Daily Linked to 54% Higher Dementia Risk

Lee Gang

Published : Aug 20, 2026 8:16 AM

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Here is some news regarding the long-term use of cold medication.

It turns out that cold medications we casually take every day could increase the risk of dementia.

According to Professor Oh Dae-jong of the Department of Psychiatry at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, "anticholinergic drugs" are most frequently cited as medications that carry a risk of dementia.

Typical examples include first-generation antihistamines, liquid cold medications, and ingredients used as sleep aids.

Taking these medications for a short period under a doctor's prescription poses no problems.

However, the story changes if they are taken frequently and over a long period.

According to a study in the United States that tracked individuals aged 65 and older for over seven years, the group that used strong anticholinergic drugs the most had a 54% higher risk of developing dementia compared to those who did not use them.