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This study, which has not had any trials, professed a link to accelerating dementia in those who already have dementia or memory problems.
Many Breast Cancer Survivors take this for joint pain from Aromatase Inhibitors.
Should they be concerned?
What Google AI has to say:
The allergy medicine commonly recommended to manage bone and joint pain from breast cancer treatments like aromatase inhibitors or growth-factor shots (such as Neulasta) is Claritin (loratadine). The good news is that Claritin and other second-generation antihistamines are not linked to an increased risk of dementia.
The confusion around allergy medications and dementia stems from a completely different class of antihistamines.
Why Some Allergy Meds Are Linked to Dementia (But Not Claritin)
First-Generation Antihistamines:
Older allergy medications like Benadryl (diphenhydramine), chlorpheniramine, and doxylamine are classified as anticholinergics. They cross the blood-brain barrier and block acetylcholine, a chemical messenger vital for learning and memory. Long-term, daily use of these older drugs has been linked to an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
Second-Generation Antihistamines: Newer allergy medications like Claritin (loratadine), Zyrtec (cetirizine), and Allegra (fexofenadine) do not easily cross into the brain. Because they stay primarily in the rest of the body and lack strong anticholinergic properties, they are considered much safer for brain health and have no proven connection to dementia.
Why Claritin Helps with Cancer Treatment Joint Pain
When undergoing chemotherapy, bone marrow expands to produce white blood cells, which causes a release of histamines that trigger inflammation and intense bone or joint pain. Similarly, hormone-blocking therapies can cause severe joint aches. By blocking those histamines, Claritin reduces inflammation directly in the bone marrow, providing a low-risk way to manage pain.
That's a really important question, and it's completely understandable to feel concerned when you see headlines like that. It's worth noting that the study you're referencing hasn't gone through clinical trials, which means the findings are very preliminary and shouldn't be taken as definitive medical guidance just yet.
@MichekeB
The study referred to glucosamine Chrondroitrin as having an effect towards dementia.
They have done no trials.
This is one initial study only.
I have stopped it.
But it helped me greatly with knee osteoarthritis.
Claritin did nothing.
May go back to using Vicks Vapo rub.
I think that the glucosamine Chrondroitrin also helped neuropathy.
So, in search of a new remedy.
Really nothing out there beyond that study posted.
What if they did not consider those taking statins in this mix and that the statins are the culprit?
@A MyBCTeam Member...I am having a hard time reaching you or know how to. I have some new info about my TNC...please reply and I will tell you.
@A MyBCTeam Member Sue I am not sure how to get hold of you. If you get this, please reply as I have more information in regard to my cancer.
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