Common Drugs May Steal Your Strength With Age

New research by Kaiser Permanente Washington has revealed a concerning connection between certain commonly prescribed medications and the physical decline in older adults. Specifically, the study found that higher long-term use of anticholinergic drugs a class of medications that block the brain chemical acetylcholine can lead to faster deterioration in walking speed and hand strength.
These changes, while subtle at first, can significantly affect an older adult’s mobility, independence, and quality of life over tim

What Are Anticholinergic Medications?

Anticholinergic medications are used to treat a wide range of conditions such as:

Overactive bladder
Allergies
Depression
Parkinson’s disease
Sleep disorders

However, they also block acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter critical for memory, muscle movement, and alertness. This interference can lead to side effects such as:

Confusion
Memory problems
Muscle weakness
Increased risk of falls

Although there’s growing awareness of these risks, long-term use of these medications remains common among older adults.

Study Details

The research was published in JAMA Network Open and involved 4,283 participants from the Adult Changes in Thought (ACT) study, spanning from 1994 to 2020. All participants were:

At least 65 years old
Enrolled in the Kaiser Permanente Washington health plan for at least 10 years
Assessed for walking speed and grip strength in at least two study visits

Researchers tracked medication use using pharmacy records and calculated cumulative exposure to anticholinergics over time. They used both short- and long-term windows (2 to 10 years) to see how exposure levels correlated with physical decline.

Key Findings

The most significant findings include:

Walking speed: Participants with higher anticholinergic exposure had a faster decline in walking speed—0.0034 meters per second each year for every unit increase in anticholinergic use (based on a 4-year exposure window).
Grip strength: While not all measures showed a clear link, a 6-year exposure window revealed a notable yearly drop in grip strength of 0.0329 kilograms per unit of drug exposure.

These findings were adjusted for age, sex, and existing health conditions—suggesting the medication use itself was a key factor in the physical decline.

Why These Results Matter

Although the annual changes may seem small, the researchers warn that accumulated effects over several years can lead to meaningful declines in physical function. This is especially concerning for older adults who rely on walking and grip strength to stay independent and avoid injury.
Slower gait speed, for instance, is not just a mobility issue it has been linked to higher risk of falls, disability, and even early death.

Recommendations for Safer Medication Use

The study emphasises the need for caution when prescribing anticholinergic medications to older adults. Researchers urge healthcare providers to:

Avoid prescribing these drugs unless necessary
Use the lowest effective dose
Regularly review medication lists to identify opportunities for deprescribing

This proactive approach can help reduce unnecessary risks and support healthier ageing.

Conclusion

As our population continues to age, understanding how medications affect long-term health becomes increasingly important. This study provides strong evidence that long-term use of anticholinergic medications can speed up physical decline, particularly in walking and hand strength.
Patients and caregivers should feel empowered to ask their doctors about the necessity and risks of these medications, especially if they’ve been used for long periods.
By working together, patients and healthcare providers can make safer choices that support strength, independence, and quality of life well into older age.

Source: Inputs from various media Sources

I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.