Disturbance of recent memory function in parkinsonian patients on anticholinergic therapy

Disruption of cholinergic neurotransmission may result in memory impairment. In this study the anticholinergic drug, trihexyphenidyl, at low doses when administered chronically for one month to Parkinson disease patients caused a decrease in performance on recent but not immediate memory tests. Awareness of possible deterioration of memory function of parkinsonian patients on anticholinergic medication is necessary.