Anticholinergics, executive function, and cognitive/behavioral changes in Down syndrome.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Anticholinergic (AC) medication use is considered a risk factor for cognitive impairment and deterioration in the general population; yet, this has not been examined in Down syndrome (DS), a disorder with high dementia rates.

Methods

Family members of 108 young adults with DS (18-39 years) reported on their loved one's medication use, executive function, and changes in cognition and behavior using a dementia screener. Medications were coded for their AC potency using the CRIDECO Anticholinergic Load Scale (CALS).

Results

Forty percent of the sample was taking at least one medication with a CALS AC potency of ≥1. These individuals were reported to have greater executive function difficulties and more changes in cognition/behavior relative to those not taki

SUBMITTER: Lee NR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12516352 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature