A new study is one of the first explorations of prescribing patterns of tricyclic antidepressants for treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy at healthcare facilities predominantly serving diverse populations of low socioeconomic status. The current body of evidence, much of it established and confirmed in studies by scientists, supports the existence of a relationship between long-term use of anticholinergic medications, such as tricyclic antidepressants, and cognitive impairment, including dementia. Research suggests use of anticholinergics in older adult populations increases risk of dementia 30 to 50 percent.
