Common drug taken by millions for common condition ‘increases risk of dementia by 33%’

A new study issues a stark warning: long-term use of certain acid reflux medications could increase the risk of dementia by a staggering 33%.

A shocking study published this week suggests that people who have been taking proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for more than four and a half years may be unknowingly increasing their risk of developing this debilitating condition. Acid reflux is an unpleasant condition in which stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, which can cause heartburn and ulcers. People who frequently suffer from this condition may develop gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD), which carries a risk of esophageal cancer.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is a condition that many will be familiar with, affecting up to 40% of Brits who suffer from regular heartburn. PPIs work by blocking the production of stomach acid and are a commonly used treatment.

However, these drugs are not without controversy and have previously been linked to an increased chance of stroke, fractures and kidney disease. The latest findings from American researchers, published in the journal Neurology, do not conclusively prove that PPIs cause dementia, but they do highlight a worrying correlation.

Professor Kamakshi Lakshminarayan, leader of the study, said: “Proton pump inhibitors are an effective way to reduce acid reflux, but previous research has shown that long-term use is linked to an increased risk of stroke, fractures and chronic kidney disease. However, some people take the drugs regularly, so we investigated whether there was an association with an increased risk of dementia.” Gloucestershire Live.

“We found no association with short-term use, but we did find an association between long-term use of these drugs and an increased risk of dementia.”

That’s the conclusion drawn from a study of more than 5,700 people over the age of 45 who didn’t initially have dementia. The average age of participants was 75.

To determine whether they were taking medications for acid reflux, the researchers asked participants about their medications during the study visit and during annual telephone conversations.

Of the study group, 1,490 people (26%) had used these drugs. They were categorized into four groups based on the duration of drug use: non-users, those who had used drugs for up to 2.8 years, those who had used drugs for 2.8 to 4.4 years, and those who had used drugs for more than 4.4 years.

Participants were followed for an average of 5.5 years, during which time 585 (10%) developed dementia. Among 4,222 drug-free participants, there were 415 cases of dementia, corresponding to 19 cases per 1,000 person-years.

In the group of 497 people who took the drug for 4.4 years or more, 58 people developed dementia, for a rate of 24 cases per 1,000 person-years.

After accounting for a variety of factors, including age, sex, race, and health conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes, the study found that people who had been taking medication for acid reflux for more than 4.4 years were 33 percent more likely to develop dementia than those who had not taken the medication. No increased risk was seen in people who had been taking the medication for fewer than 4.4 years, the study found.

“Further studies are needed to confirm our findings and explore the reasons for the possible association between long-term use of proton pump inhibitors and an increased risk of dementia,” said Lakshminarayan, a professor at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health.

There are a variety of treatments for acid reflux, including antacids, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding late-night meals and eating certain types of foods. But these options aren’t right for everyone, she said.

She added: “It is important that anyone taking these medications speak to their doctor before making any changes to discuss the best treatment for them. Also, suddenly stopping these medications may make your symptoms worse.”