Exposure to a common type of medication could make you age faster

High exposure to a type of drug often used to treat a range of medical conditions is linked to a faster decline in physical performance in older age, according to Australian and international research. Anticholinergic drugs are used to treat conditions including Parkinson’s disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and bladder problems, and some antidepressants and antihistamines also have anticholinergic properties. The researchers monitored the change in walking speed and grip strength of over 4000 older adults over time and compared this with their exposure to anticholinergic medications over a decade. They say while grip strength appeared unaffected, a higher exposure to anticholinergics was linked to a greater decline in walking speed.