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Since doctors often prescribe anticholinergics for Parkinson's, I thought this was interesting: SOURCE: British Medical Journal For full article see http://www.webmd.com/content/pages/11/1833_51021.htm Anticholinergic Drugs* Linked to Mental Impairment in Elderly People Non-degenerative mild cognitive impairment in elderly people and use of anticholinergic drugs: longitudinal cohort study BMJ Online First LONDON, UK -- February 1, 2006 -- Anticholinergic drugs may lead to mild cognitive (mental) impairment in elderly people, finds a study published online by the British Medical Journal today. These drugs are commonly used in elderly patients to treat illnesses such as irritable bowel syndrome, urinary incontinence, and Parkinson's disease, so it is important that doctors are aware of this effect, say the researchers. . . About 10% of the people in the sample took anticholinergic drugs over an extended period. Drug users showed poorer cognitive performance compared with non-users and 80% met the criteria for mild cognitive impairment compared with 35% of non-users. However, drug users were not at increased risk of developing dementia . . . They suggest doctors assess current use of anticholinergic drugs in elderly people with mild cognitive impairment before considering treatment for dementia. *Anticholinergic medications - examples: Cogentin, Artane, Benadryl ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn