Big news was just released by the Journal of the American Medical Association which published a University of Washington School of Pharmacy study that found Anticholinergic medications (antihistamines, sleep aids, antidepressants, cardiovascular meds, gastrointestinal drugs and muscle relaxants) such as Benadryl and Nytol may significantly increase the risk for developing Alzheimer's Disease and other Dementia Diseases.

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Benadryl specifically is used regularly by many patients in the Chronic Kidney Disease Community for an array of complications associated with the disease itself as well as Dialysis to correct: Itching, sleeping challenges, allergic reactions, and settling nerves from anxiety associated with Dialysis Treatments.  While Benadryl is taken via oral or Intravenous (IV) treatment, many patients become dependent on the medication and take it frequently during Dialysis or nightly to get to sleep. 

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For those taking the highest doses (4mg per day) of Anticholinergic drugs for a long time (3 years or more), the relative risk of Dementia was increased by 54% when compared to non-users. Based upon responses from our viewers, many Chronic Kidney Disease patients, specifically those on Dialysis take 25mg (1 pill) to 50mg (2 pills) of Benadryl three days a week or more. 

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Although the connections between Anticholinergic medication such as Benadryl, and Dementia like Alzheimer's are not clear; one reason may be the fact that the drugs may cause a shortage of Acetylcholine (a nervous system chemical transmitter). Anticholinergic drugs are also known to increase Beta-Amyloid protein levels (amino acids) which is another characteristic of Alzheimer's.

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Researchers, however, caution Chronic Kidney Disease and Dialysis patients, "no one should stop taking any therapy without consulting their Healthcare provider." Hence, Chronic Kidney Disease and Dialysis patients should discuss alternatives to high dose Benadryl medicine such as anxiety reduction practices like listening to music during treatments with their Nephrologists. Also, consider substitute therapies available that do not have Anticholinergic effects, such as Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants (Prozac) and newer Antihistamines  such as Claritin which work well to relieve symptoms of different types of allergies, anxiety and heart complications.

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Do you use Benadryl and have you experienced severe memory loss? Would you consider another medication or alternative treatments to avoid possible harmful side effects of Benadryl? Your voice matters so join the conversation with over 14,800 Friends at the KidneyBuzz.com Facebook Fan Page by clicking here. For more Daily Breaking News and Information about how Chronic Kidney Disease patients can better manage their lives, visit KidneyBuzz.com every day. Also, remember to Like us on Facebook and Follow KidneyBuzz.com on Twitter so you do not miss a thing!

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References:

"Benadryl Can Up Your Risk of Alzheimer’s." Http://www.newser.com. Newser.

"Everyday Drugs May Increase Your Risk Of Alzheimer's." Http://www.medicaldaily.com. Medical Daily.

"Cumulative Use of Strong Anticholinergics and Incident Dementia." Http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/. American Medical Association.

"Study Suggests Sleeping Drugs Can Increase Risk of Alzheimer’s." Http://www.theguardian.com/. Guardian News and Media Limited.

"Common Drugs Prescribed for Dialysis Patients." Http://www.davita.com. DaVita HealthCare Partners Inc.