I have taken hydroxyzine for many years because of anxieties. my allergy doctor tells me that, in the long run, of a lifetime, this medication will cause dementia. what is your opinion?

Numerous medications have anti-cholinergic side effects. If you had Alzheimer's, these effects could add to cognitive symptoms. BUT this is not the underlying cause of dementia, and there is NO evidence that hydroxyzine results in permanent brain damage. Stopping the drug would reverse all neurotransmitter changes due to the drug.

You do hot want an opinoin on this you want the facts. Go to Drugs.com and look up including interact4ions with other meds you may be taking. Major way to reduce risk is to keep your systolic BP less that 120. DASHing using the DASH diet is my recommendation. But discuss with your Dr who knows you.