Getting hit with a cold is an uncomfortable experience, no matter the season. From the endless nose-blowing and sore throat to stuffy noses and difficulty sleeping, it’s only natural to want some relief. Many people reach for over-the-counter cold medicines in their desperation for relief, but these medications could potentially have a much more serious impact on your health.
For over a decade, research has been pointing the finger at anticholinergic drugs, including nighttime cold medicines, linking them to cognitive impairment and an increased risk of dementia in older adults. Unfortunately, avoiding cold medicines alone might not keep you safe from this risk since other regular medications like sleep aids and prescription drugs are also categorized as anticholinergic.
A study in 2013 involving the Indiana University Center for Aging Research and the Regenstrief Institute highlighted how older adults taking strong anticholinergic drugs daily exhibited cognitive problems within 60 days of usage, while those on weaker versions experienced cognitive issues in 90 days.
The Indiana University School of Medicine conducted further research by taking brain scans of 451 older adults, 60 of whom were on anticholinergic medication. They discovered that those on these drugs had a reduced brain volume and larger brain cavities. Furthermore, cognitive tests confirmed their worst fears: individuals under the influence of anticholinergic medication performed poorly when it came to short-term memory, verbal reasoning, planning, and problem-solving.
These drugs also led to lower levels of glucose metabolism in the whole brain, particularly in the hippocampus, the area responsible for learning and memory. This is a noteworthy finding since glucose metabolism is a biomarker for brain activity, and the hippocampus is among the first areas of the brain affected by Alzheimer’s disease.
The reason these drugs bear such negative consequences for your brain is that they block acetylcholine, a nervous system neurotransmitter that assists with communication between cells and neurons. Acetylcholine is crucial in stimulating muscles and other important functions in sensory neurons. The brain of Alzheimer’s patients show a staggering 90% loss of acetylcholine.
If you would rather avoid dwindling mental faculties and inducing Alzheimer’s disease when a cold virus strikes, consider natural cold remedies instead of over-the-counter cold medicine. Many of these natural remedies are supported by scientific research:
- Oregano oil: This powerful antiviral can stop the cold virus from replicating. It can be added to juice or water to combat sore throats or used in a diffuser or vaporizer to relieve stuffy sinuses.
- Olive leaf extract: As a potent antiviral and immune booster, this natural remedy can effectively help cure a cold rather than merely mask its symptoms.
- Pau d’arco: This antiviral herb can be taken in pill form or brewed as a tea. It’s an expectorant, which is useful for cough-related colds that cause mucus buildup.
- Apple cider vinegar: Mixed with lemon juice and honey, this concoction creates a throat-soothing and immune-boosting tonic.
To protect yourself from colds without shrinking your brain, turn to natural remedies, foods, and supplements as an alternative to typical over-the-counter cold medicines.
