Older adults taking medications with anticholinergic and sedative properties are at a higher risk of experiencing poor cognitive and physical outcomes.

We describe the strengths and limitations of 13 existing scales used to measure medication-related anticholinergic burden and sedative load in the elderly.

A novel comprehensive catalog combining medications with anticholinergic and sedative potency excerpted from the selected studies is provided.

This review highlights the importance of understanding drug-induced anticholinergic and sedative side effects in clinical practice, especially in patients with polypharmacy, as this can significantly improve their quality of life and reduce the risk of dementia and associated cognitive impairment.