Anticholinergic agents are widely used in clinical practice. However, they can cause various cumulative side effects (dry mouth, drowsiness, confusion, residual urine accumulation, etc.). The purpose of the study is to perform an analytical review of the literature dedicated to causes, complications and rehabilitation of patients with cumulative anticholinergic effect. The analytical review of the literature highlights the risks and benefits of using anticholinergic drugs. Anticholinergic agents make up to one third of all medicines for the aged people. Recent data have proved the relationship between the long-term use of anticholinergics and dementia. New results relating to the cholinergic system in the regulation of cerebral vascularisation and in neuritis indicate that anticholinergics may contribute to the absolute risk and progression of neurodegenerative diseases. It has been proven that more than 600 drugs taken by aged patients carry the so-called "anticholinergic load". The number of drugs with anticholinergic properties is constantly increasing, they include: antidepressants, antihistamines, antiparkinsonian, antipsychotic, antispasmodic, mydriatic drugs, drugs for the treatment of overactive bladder and many others. Conclusions. The number of drugs that have anticholinergic activity and can cause complications associated with anticholinergic load is increasing. To assess the anticholinergic action of drugs, several methods have been proposed, taking into account the amount of dose and the intensity of anticholinergic activity of drugs. The research of the general medical community about the anticholinergic load problem and high alertness when prescribing drugs with anticholinergic properties can prevent the cumulative anticholinergic effect development and severe complications, and, thus, save the life and health of patients.
The anticholinergic effect on cognition (
AEC
) scale—Associations with mortality, hospitalisation and cognitive decline following dementia diagnosis
