This document discusses how medications can affect memory function. It begins by reviewing the types of intelligence, memory, and learning strategies. It then discusses how physical health factors like nutrition, hydration, and medications can impact memory. It provides information on different types of medications and supplements, and notes that many have not been tested on older adults. It emphasizes the importance of consulting healthcare providers about any medications or supplements. The document aims to educate older adults on medication risks and strategies to reduce those risks, like keeping medication lists and being aware of side effects.

1. Master of Memory –
Medications & Memory Function
Andrew B. Crocker
Extension Program Specialist –
Gerontology Health
Texas AgriLife Extension Service
Texas A&M System
2008
Educational programs of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age, or national origin.
The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating
Let’s Review. . .
Two Types of Three Types of Learner
Intelligence Auditory
Crystallized Visual
Fluid Kinesthetic
Three Types of Memory Memory Strategies
Sensory Concentration
Short-term Association
Long-term Repetition
Relaxation
Let’s Review. . .
Your brain makes up ~2% of your
weight but requires ~30% of your
body’s energy
Physical conditions linked to nutrition
can affect memory
Clogged Arteries
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
Dehydration

2. Let’s Review. . .
Your body is ~60% water
Increasing age increases risk for dehydration
Nutritional supplements
NOT regulated by the government
Do NOT go through trials like other medications
ALWAYS consult with your healthcare provider if
you choose to take a supplement
Things You Should Know. . .
Prescription Medication
Medicines that are safe and effective when
used under a health provider’s care, as
determined by the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA)
Over the Counter (OTC) Medication
Medicines the FDA decides are safe and
effective for use without a health provider's
prescription
Things You Should Know. . .
Herb/Herbal Supplement
Compounds not regulated by the FDA
May or may not be tested for efficacy
May have unexpected interactions with
other medications

3. Medications & Memory
Many medications have a negative
effect on memory
Substances such as caffeine, nicotine
and alcohol may affect your memory
You should know what medications you
are taking and be aware of their side-
effects
Medication Risks
Many medications have only been
tested on college-aged and young
adults
Older bodies process medications
differently
Increased body fat
Decreased muscle mass
Decreased rate of “clearance”
Adverse reactions with other medications
Medications
Amphetamines Anti-depressants
Stimulant Drowsiness
Analgesics Anti-diabetics
(Narcotic) Anti-histamines
Drowsiness
Drowsiness
Depressant
Anti-anxiety Anti-hypertensives
Drowsiness Drowsiness
Depressant Reduced blood flow

4. Medications
Anti-psychotics These are not the
Drowsiness only medications
Depressant that may cause
Sedatives problems
Drowsiness Consult with your
Depressant
healthcare provider
Diuretics about any concern
Dehydration over medications
Nutrient Depletion
Caffeine
Caffeine is known to increase alertness
May cause you to be jittery - making it
hard to concentrate
Caffeine may also prevent sleep
Sleep is needed for memory consolidation
Nicotine
Nicotine is found in all tobacco products
Smoking is bad for general health
May reduce amount of Oxygen available
for the brain

5. Alcohol
Alcohol has most significant effect on
short-term memory
Excessive drinking may interfere with
long-term memory
Alcohol affects alertness and ability to
learn new information
As we age, our bodies process alcohol
more slowly
“Memory Pills”
NOT regulated by the government
Do NOT go through trials like other
medications
May have SERIOUS impact on other
medications being taken
ALWAYS consult with your healthcare
provider if you choose to take a
supplement
“Memory Pills”
Ginkgo Biloba
May affect blood flow
Harmful for persons with bleeding conditions
St. John’s Wort
May affect concentration & stability
Harmful for persons with balance problems

6. “Memory Pills”
Piracetum Germanium
Hydergine Inositol
Cetrophenozine Phosphatidylserine
Genseng GABA
Glutathione DMAE
Arginine N-ALC
Taurine DHEA
Polypharmacy
Use of more than one medication
Combinations of medications may cause
memory problems
Talk with ALL of your healthcare
providers regarding your medications
Reducing Medication Risks
Keep a list of medications and discuss
with your healthcare provider
Keep track of side-effects and report to
healthcare provider
Take medications as prescribed
Don’t share medications with others
Use an organizer to keep track of
medications

7. Stretch Your Brain!
“So I says. . . .”*
So I says to the emcee at the event, I
says. . .
So I says to the man changing my flat tire,
I says. . .
So I says to the woman wearing denim
pants, I says. . .
So I says to the man with the ponytail, I
says. . .
*Wetzel, K. and Harmeyer, K. (1999). Mind Games: The Aging Brain and How to Keep It
Healthy. Delmar Thompson Learning: New York.
Homework Time
Try to come up with some “So I says”
on your own
Please feel free to share these at our
next meeting!
Make your medication list!
Acknowledgements
This lesson has been graciously
reviewed by
Joseph R. Sharkey, PhD, MPH, RD
School of Rural and Public Health
Texas A&M University Health Science Center
Barry A. Browne, PharmD
College of Medicine
Texas A&M University Health Science Center

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