Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are a well-established reason for cognitive changes in older patients. The central nervous system (CNS) is particularly sensitive to the effects of drugs that act centrally. Since psychotropic drugs are the second or third most commonly prescribed class of drugs in older adults, it is not surprising that these medications are frequently implicated as a cause of adverse drug reactions. In general, ADRs are more likely to occur when more medications are used. In fact, the incidence of ADRs increases exponentially with the number of drugs used.

Reports of cognitive impairment with the use of certain medications has been reported widely.

Listed in the above slide are some of the drugs more commonly implicated in causing symptoms of dementia.