(CNN) - A new study might have you thinking twice about taking an over-the-counter sleep pill.
A study released this week offers the most definitive proof yet that these drugs can increase your risk of dementia.
Using brain imaging techniques, researchers at the Indiana University School of Medicine found lower metabolism and reduced brain sizes among people taking anticholinergic drugs, which are sold over the counter and by prescription as sleep aids, to fight allergic reactions and for chronic diseases including hypertension.
The participants also performed worse on short-term memory, verbal reasoning, and problem-solving tests.
A previous study from the university found the drugs could cause cognitive problems when taken continuously for as few as 60 days.
Courtesy: CNN Newsource