Anticholinergic Burden Calculator

Some medications can affect memory, focus, and overall brain health because of their “anticholinergic” effects. This free Anticholinergic Burden Score Calculator helps you see how your medicines might add up to influence your brain and body. It’s based on trusted medical research and designed to support informed conversations with your healthcare provider.

Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden (ACB) Calculator

Select medications (generic names). The calculator sums ACB points (1 = possible; 2 or 3 = definite). A total score ≥ 3 is considered clinically relevant.

Citation: Rudolph JL, Salow MJ, Angelini MC, McGlinchey RE. The Anticholinergic Risk Scale and Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden Scale. Arch Intern Med. 2008;168(5):508-513.
Disclaimer (page): This is for educational purposes only and not medical advice. Before making any medication changes please consult your physician.

How to interpret your score:

  • 0-1: Minimal burden — unlikely to cause symptoms. Review your list with your physician or pharmacist.

  • 2-3: Moderate burden — may cause symptoms. Review your list with your physician or pharmacist.

  • 4 or more: High burden — likely to cause symptoms. Discuss safer alternatives or deprescribing strategies with your physician or pharmacist.

Always consult your healthcare provider before changing or stopping any medications!

Ready to take action?

  • Explore our resources on medication safety and brain health, or share this tool with a family member or caregiver

  • Understanding your anticholinergic burden is one step toward protecting brain health and aging well. Review your results with your healthcare provider and never stop or change medications on your own. For more trusted information on memory, healthy aging, and medication safety, explore the latest articles on The Medicine Check.