Interventions for reducing anticholinergic medication burden in older adults-a systematic review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Anticholinergic medications block the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the brain and peripheral nervous system. Many medications have anticholinergic properties, and the cumulative effect of these medications is termed anticholinergic burden. Increased anticholinergic burden can have short-term side effects such as dry mouth, blurred vision and urinary retention as well as long-term effects including dementia, worsening physical function and falls.

Methods

We carried out a systematic review (SR) with meta-analysis (MA) looking at randomised controlled trials addressing interventions to reduce anticholinergic burden in older adults.

Results

We identified seven papers suitable for inclusion in our SR and MA. Interventions included multi-disciplinary involv

SUBMITTER: Braithwaite E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10517713 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature