A large UK study suggests that some medicines for an overactive bladder may be linked to a higher risk of dementia, especially in people aged 55 and over.

Researchers examined records from more than 170,000 people with dementia and compared them with over 800,000 people without the condition. Those who had taken anticholinergic overactive bladder medication for several years were, on average, 18% more likely to develop dementia. The risk was slightly higher for men than for women.

Certain drugs appeared more strongly linked to dementia. Oxybutynin hydrochloride was associated with about a 31% higher risk, and tolterodine tartrate with around a 27% higher risk. Other anticholinergic medicines – including darifenacin, fesoterodine fumarate, flavoxate hydrochloride, propiverine hydrochloride and trospium chloride – were not linked with extra risk in this study. A non-anticholinergic option, mirabegron, showed uncertain results and needs more research.

The study cannot prove that these medicines directly cause dementia. However, it highlights the need for careful, long-term decisions about overactive bladder treatment in older adults.

If you take overactive bladder medication and are worried about dementia, do not stop your tablets on your own. Book an appointment with your GP to review your medicines, discuss possible lower-risk alternatives, and explore lifestyle changes that may help reduce bladder symptoms.