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Cognitive side effects of medications
1Department of Neurology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Georgia 30912, USA.
Neurologic Clinics
|March 28, 1998
Summary
Pharmacological therapies can cause cognitive deficits, ranging from delirium to subtle mood changes. Risk factors include drug type, polypharmacy, age, and pre-existing conditions, necessitating careful review of medications.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Geriatrics
Background:
- Iatrogenic cognitive deficits are a frequent complication of drug treatments.
- These deficits can manifest as severe encephalopathy or subtle changes in mood and well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review methodological challenges in studying drug-induced cognitive impairment.
- To analyze neuropsychological data on cognitive side effects of common medications.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of pharmacological therapies and their cognitive effects.
- Examination of neuropsychological data and clinical practice guidelines.
Main Results:
- Certain drug classes, polypharmacy, advanced age, and comorbidities increase the risk of cognitive side effects.
- A wide range of commonly used medications can impact cognitive function.
Conclusions:
- Understanding and mitigating drug-induced cognitive deficits is crucial in clinical practice.
- Further research is needed to refine assessment and management strategies for these adverse effects.