Hyperhidrosis, Anticholinergics, and Dementia

In recent decades, the use of certain oral anticholinergics for the treatment of hyperhidrosis has become widespread, often off-label but supported by multiple studies, including clinical trials, demonstrating their effectiveness and an apparently good safety profile. Similarly, various studies published in recent years have associated the use of anticholinergics to the development of dementia, particularly in elderly patients. Additionally, other studies have suggested that hyperhidrosis itself may be an early symptom of developing dementia. However, to date, no research has specifically linked the use of oral anticholinergics for hyperhidrosis treatment with the development of dementia. We present the currently available data on this controversial topic.