Pharmacology

Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden (ACB) & AGS Beers Criteria® Risk

Calculates cumulative anticholinergic burden (ACB 0–9+) and flags high-risk potentially inappropriate medications in older adults.

Parameters

Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden (ACB) & AGS Beers Criteria® Risk Result

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FormulaACB Score = (Mild × 1) + (Moderate × 2) + (Severe × 3) ACB ≥ 3 points indicates clinically significant risk of delirium, falls, cognitive impairment, and mortality.

Clinical Pearls

Empowers clinicians and pharmacists to identify harmful cumulative polypharmacy and deprescribe anticholinergic medications to protect cognitive and physical function in seniors.

Limitations

Calculations should be paired with individualized clinical judgement regarding risk vs therapeutic benefit.