What triggers Alzheimer's to get worse?
Such conditions and factors could include: Infections, such as pneumonia, a urinary tract infection or a sinus infection. Reaction to some prescription medications, such as anticholinergics, narcotic pain relievers, sedatives, corticosteroids and some antidepressants. Fatigue or lack of sleep. What aggravates Alzheimer's disease? Drinking large amounts of alcohol has long been known to cause brain changes. Several large studies and reviews found that alcohol use disorders were linked to an increased risk of dementia, particularly early-onset dementia.