8 hours Ago By Neil Shaw
New findings claim that extended use of a type of drug for acid reflux, known as proton pump inhibitors, or PPIs, may heighten the risk of dementia by one-third. The research revealed that individuals taking PPIs for more than four-and-a-half years had a 33% increased likelihood of developing this impaired cognitive state . Acid reflux occurs when stomach acids seep into the esophagus, often post-meal or during recline, leading to heartburn and potential ulceration.
Chronic sufferers of acid reflux might develop gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD), which carries a risk of esophageal cancer. Affecting roughly 20% of the US, GORD is widespread, with sufferers commonly experiencing persistent heartburn. PPIs act by blocking stomach enzymes responsible for acid production.
Major update as 11 confirmed dead in Vancouver car ramming Nutritionist’s 3 daily ‘must-have’ foods to help brain, gut and bones Nevertheless, past studies have connected the medication to elevated risks of stroke, fractured bones, and kidney issues. While American researchers caution their study, published in the journal Neurology, only points to an association rather than causation of dementia due to acid reflux drugs, it raises concerns. The study's lead researcher, vascular neurologist Professor Kamakshi Lakshminarayan remarked: "Proton pump inhibitors are a useful tool to help control acid reflux, however long-term use has been linked in previous studies to a higher risk of stroke, bone fractures and chronic kidney disease.
Still, some people take these drugs regularly, so we examined if they are linked to a higher risk of dementia." "While we did not find a link with short-term use, we did find a higher risk of dementia associated with long-term use of these drugs." A study involving over 5,700 individuals aged 45 and above, with an average age of 75, revealed a potential connection between prolonged use of acid reflux medications and increased dementia risk.
Initially, none of the participants had dementia.Researchers tracked their medication use through in-person visits and annual phone calls. Out of the total participants, 1,490 (26%) had taken acid reflux drugs.
The researchers categorized them into four groups based on their drug usage and duration: non-users, those who used the drugs for up to 2.8 years, those who used them for 2.8 to 4.
4 years, and those who used them for more than 4.4 years. Over an average follow-up period of 5.
5 years, 585 participants (10%) developed dementia. Among the 4,222 non-users, 415 developed dementia, equivalent to 19 cases per 1,000 person-years. In contrast, among the 497 participants who took the drugs for over 4.
4 years, 58 developed dementia, equivalent to 24 cases per 1,000 person-years. After accounting for variables like age, sex, race, and health conditions such as hypertension and diabetes, the study found that individuals who had been using acid reflux medications for over 4.4 years had a 33% increased risk of developing dementia compared to those who never used these drugs.
The research did not indicate an elevated dementia risk for individuals who used the drugs for less than 4.4 years. Prof Lakshminarayan from the University of Minnesota School of Public Health stated: "More research is needed to confirm our findings and explore reasons for the possible link between long-term proton pump inhibitor use and a higher risk of dementia.
" She noted that while there are various methods to manage acid reflux, including taking antacids, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding late meals and certain foods, not all strategies may be effective for everyone. Prof Lakshminarayan emphasized: "It is important that people taking these medications speak with their doctor before making any changes, to discuss the best treatment for them, and because stopping these drugs abruptly may result in worse symptoms.".
