The Link between Blocking Acetylcholine & Developing Dementia

Have you ever heard of ‘Acetylcholine’? It’s a multi-syllable word that few of us are likely familiar with. It may surprise you then to learn that this organic neurotransmitter is no stranger to the vocabulary of our brains and in fact plays an integral role in brain function by keeping our neurons healthy.

In light of this, it may seem odd to want to block acetylcholine, and yet there are commonly used, aptly named, ‘anticholinergic’ drugs that do just that. By suppressing acetylcholine, they are used to treat a range of conditions from insomnia and dizziness, to allergies and overactive bladder. Yet despite their benefits, the negative may outweigh the positive when it comes to these drugs. A recent study by Western University points to how their long-term use can result in an increased risk of developing dementia.

Since acetylcholine acts as a neurotransmitter, a messenger of sorts that sends signals via neurons, researchers found that suppressing it may alter the part of the brain responsible for declarative memory (recalling facts and events). The study also highlighted that long-term blocking of this neurotransmitter leads to brain cells dying and subsequent memory loss. This is why researchers hope to learn more about reversing the loss of acetylcholine through further studies.

It may be a mouthful to pronounce, but acetylcholine is a key player in maintaining brain health, it’s a valuable neurological messenger, and you can always spell it out to help you win that next game of scrabble.  🙂