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Updated: Jul 16, 2026
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A Computerized Test Battery to Study Pharmacodynamic Effects on the Central Nervous System of Cholinergic Drugs in Early Phase Drug Development
Published on: February 11, 2019
Serum anticholinergic activity and motor performance in elderly persons.
Robert D Nebes1, Bruce G Pollock, Edythe M Halligan
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pennsylvania, USA. nebesrd@upmc.edu
Summary
High anticholinergic activity in older adults is linked to slower gait and response times, increasing fall risk. This study highlights the impact of cumulative anticholinergic burden on elderly psychomotor performance.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Pharmacology
- Biomedical Science
Background:
- Many medications, including over-the-counter drugs, have anticholinergic effects.
- Anticholinergic medications can cause psychomotor slowing in elderly individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between cumulative anticholinergic load and psychomotor performance in community-dwelling older adults.
- To determine if serum anticholinergic activity (SAA) correlates with gait speed and manual response time.
Main Methods:
- Community volunteers' serum anticholinergic activity was measured.
- Participants underwent psychomotor testing, including gait speed and simple manual response time assessments.
Main Results:
- An elevated serum anticholinergic activity (SAA) was significantly associated with slower gait speed.
- Increased SAA also correlated with a significant slowing of simple manual response time.
Conclusions:
- Cumulative anticholinergic burden may be a contributing factor to increased fall risk in the elderly.
- These findings suggest a link between medication side effects and fall-related impairments in older adults.
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