Title: Long-Term Use of Acid Reflux Drugs Linked to Higher Risk of Dementia, Study Finds
By Brooke Steinberg
August 10, 2023 | 12:08pm
A new study published in the journal for the American Academy of Neurology has revealed a connection between the long-term use of popular acid reflux drugs and a higher risk of dementia. The report focused on patients who regularly take medications known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), including omeprazole (Prilosec), esomeprazole (Nexium), and lansoprazole (Prevacid).
Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows into the esophagus, causing irritation to the lining. PPIs are commonly used to treat frequent acid reflux, stomach ulcers, and other digestive tract issues by targeting enzymes that produce acid in the stomach lining. The Mayo Clinic cautions that frequent acid reflux can lead to a condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease, which can eventually increase the risk of esophageal cancer.
Study author Kamakshi Lakshminarayan, a researcher at the University of Minnesota and member of the American Academy of Neurology, stated in a press release that while PPIs are helpful in managing acid reflux, previous studies have linked long-term use to a higher risk of stroke, bone fractures, and chronic kidney disease. The study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, involved 5,712 participants aged 45 and older, with an average age of 75 and no previous dementia symptoms. The study spanned five and a half years.
According to Lakshminarayan, the research team found no link between short-term use and dementia risk. However, they discovered a 33% higher risk of dementia in those who took PPIs for an average of 4.4 years compared to those who never used these medications. The volunteers were divided into four groups based on the duration of PPI use: up to 2.8 years, 2.8 to 4.4 years, over 4.4 years, or no use at all.
After accounting for factors such as age, sex, race, high blood pressure, and diabetes, the researchers established that the 4.4-year group had a significantly elevated risk of dementia. However, there was no evidence of increased risk for those who had used the drugs for less than 4.4 years.
Despite these findings, the study has some limitations, including potential inaccuracies due to participants being on and off the drugs between check-ins and uncertainties about whether they were also taking over-the-counter medicines.
Moving forward, Lakshminarayan expressed the researchers’ intention to expand on their findings. She advised acid reflux patients to consult with their doctors before making any changes to their medication regimen, as different approaches may work differently for each individual. Abruptly stopping these drugs could potentially lead to worse symptoms.
As further research is conducted, it is essential for healthcare professionals and patients to stay informed about the potential risks associated with long-term use of acid reflux medications.