- 10 November 2021
- Podcasts
Episode 34: Important but not always front of mind – anticholinergic burden
- 10 November 2021
- Podcasts
In this episode, NPS MedicineWise medical advisor Dr Caroline West talks to our other medical advisor Dr Kate Annear about the cumulative effects of anticholinergic medicines. Not always front of mind, these medicines can cause many problematic side effects and can lead to poor health outcomes including increased risk of falls and cognitive decline. We cover what these medicines are and what can be done. Reviewing people’s multiple medicines and considering deprescribing or finding alternative treatments can reduce ‘anticholinergic burden’.
Further reading
NPS MedicineWise: https://www.nps.org.au/professionals/anticholinergic-burden
Choosing Wisely: https://www.choosingwisely.org.au/
Australian Prescriber article: Optimising oral health in frail older people: https://www.nps.org.au/australian-prescriber/articles/optimising-oral-health-in-frail-older-people