Recent findings in the medical journal Neurology reveal that individuals who take proton pump inhibitors (a specific category of acid reflux drugs) for over 4.4 years could experience a 33% greater likelihood of developing dementia in comparison to those who don’t use these medications.
The sustained consumption of proton pump inhibitors, used to treat acid reflux, might be associated with a heightened risk of dementia, according to a new study in Neurology, the American Academy of Neurology’s journal. Notably, this research doesn’t prove a direct causation but rather indicates a relationship between the two.
Acid reflux is the condition where stomach acid leaks into the esophagus, generally after eating or when lying down. Symptoms like heartburn and ulcers can occur, leading to more severe conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), potentially escalating to esophageal cancer if it becomes chronic.
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) belong to a group of medicines that limit stomach acid production. Often prescribed to treat ailments such as GERD and peptic ulcer disease, their function is to suppress the proton pumps in the stomach’s lining.
These inhibitors work by attacking the enzymes in the stomach lining responsible for producing acid.
Kamakshi Lakshminarayan, MBBS, PhD, of the University of Minnesota School of Public Health, a member of the American Academy of Neurology, said, “Proton pump inhibitors effectively manage acid reflux, but previous studies have tied long-term usage to increased risks of stroke, bone fractures, and chronic kidney disease. Despite this, many people still use them regularly, so we investigated their potential connection to dementia. While short-term use appears safe, our study did find an elevated risk of dementia with long-term use.”
The research involved 5,712 individuals, aged 45 or above, without dementia at the beginning, with an average age of 75.
By examining medication records and conducting annual phone interviews, researchers tracked participants’ use of acid reflux drugs. Among the participants, 26% or 1,490 people had used these medications. They were then categorized into four groups according to the length and presence of drug usage.
The study monitored participants for an average of 5.5 years. During this period, 585 individuals, or 10%, were diagnosed with dementia.
Out of the 4,222 participants who did not take these medications, 415 developed dementia, resulting in 19 cases per 1,000 person-years. Among 497 who used the drugs for more than 4.4 years, 58 developed dementia, equating to 24 cases per 1,000 person-years.
Upon controlling for various factors like age, sex, race, high blood pressure, and diabetes, the research discovered that people who had been on acid reflux medications for over 4.4 years had a 33% greater chance of dementia compared to non-users.
No increased dementia risk was found for those who had taken the drugs for less than 4.4 years.
Lakshminarayan stressed the need for further studies to validate these results and explore the underlying reasons for the possible connection between prolonged proton pump inhibitor usage and dementia risk. While there are diverse treatments for acid reflux, they may not suit everyone, making it essential for patients on these medications to consult their doctor before making any changes, as discontinuation may exacerbate symptoms.
Reference: “Cumulative Use of Proton Pump Inhibitors and Risk of Dementia: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study” by various authors, 9 August 2023, Neurology.
DOI: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000207747
The study’s limitation included the fact that participants’ medication usage was only assessed annually. If participants intermittently stopped and restarted their acid reflux medications between yearly assessments, this could have led to inaccurate usage estimations. The study also could not determine if participants were taking over-the-counter acid reflux medications.
The National Institutes of Health, including the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, supported this study.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about fokus keyword: proton pump inhibitors
What is the main finding of the study published in the journal Neurology about proton pump inhibitors?
The study found that individuals taking proton pump inhibitors (a type of acid reflux medication) for more than 4.4 years may have a 33% higher risk of developing dementia compared to non-users. The research does not establish a direct cause, but indicates a correlation.
How do proton pump inhibitors work?
Proton pump inhibitors work by inhibiting the proton pumps in the stomach lining, thereby reducing stomach acid production. They are commonly prescribed for conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and peptic ulcer disease.
Who conducted the study, and how many participants were involved?
The study was conducted by researchers at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health and included 5,712 people, aged 45 and older, who did not have dementia at the start of the study.
Were there any limitations to this study?
Yes, a limitation of the study was that participants were asked once a year about medication use, so researchers estimated use between annual check-ins. If participants stopped and restarted acid reflux drugs in between check-ins, the estimation of their use may have been inaccurate.
What should people using proton pump inhibitors do in light of these findings?
People using proton pump inhibitors, especially for long-term, should consult with their healthcare provider to discuss the best treatment for them. Stopping these drugs abruptly may result in worse symptoms, so any changes should be made under medical guidance.
Was there an increased risk of dementia for people who took the drugs for fewer than 4.4 years?
No, the study did not find a higher risk of dementia for people who took the drugs for fewer than 4.4 years. The increased risk was associated with long-term use exceeding 4.4 years.
More about fokus keyword: proton pump inhibitors
- Neurology Journal
- University of Minnesota School of Public Health
- American Academy of Neurology
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
- National Institutes of Health
6 comments
im really worried, been taking these for my acid reflux for over 5 yrs now, what should I do?
I can’t believe it, my mom’s been on these for years. should I tell her to stop them???
Important to remember that correlation does not mean causation. Patients, please consult with your doctors before making any changes to your medication!
This research is alarming but I’m glad it’s out there. Knowledge is power, right? maybe I’ll look into other treatments for my GERD.
No wonder, big pharma at it again! Who can you trust anymore
so this means I shouldn’t take them for a long time right But how long is too long