The common medication scientists warn could be increasing your risk of dementia
A worrying study has found that a common medication could put people at higher risk of developing dementia . Long-term use of a standard acid reflux table may increase the risk of the degenerative disease by as much as a third, according to the new research. The study, which was published in the Neurology journal, found that those using proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for a period of more than 4.4 years were 33 per cent more likely to be diagnosed with the incurable condition. PPIs are a widely-used medication in the treatment of acid reflux, where stomach acid flows up into the oesophagus and often causes heartburn or painful ulcers. Regular reflux can lead to gastroesophageal reflux disease, a condition which can lead to oesophageal cancer, Surrey Live reports. The medication targets enzymes in the stomach lining to reduce acid production and decrease the risk of reflux. Although they are an effective treatment, PPIs have previously been linked to health risks including stroke, bone fractures, and kidney disease. The new research, led by a team from the University of Minnesota, didn't prove a direct cause-and-effect relationship between PPIs and dementia, but did highlight a link between the two. Professor Kamakshi Lakshminarayan, a vascular neurologist from the American university and lead author of the study, revealed that the team wanted to analyse any potential link due to the other health concerns previously associated with the medication. She said: "Proton pump inhibitors are useful for managing acid reflux, but long-term use has been tied to several health concerns. In this study, we wanted to explore whether they could also be linked to dementia.' More than 5,700 participants aged 45 and older were involved in the large-scale study. When the research began, none of them had been diagnosed with dementia. The team used in-person study visits and annual phone check-ins to monitor the use of PPIs in the participants, who had an average age of 75. Of the group, 1,490 (26%) had taken PPIs and were categorised by duration of use: up to 2.8 years, between 2.8 and 4.4 years, and more than 4.4 years. Over an average follow-up of 5.5 years, 585 participants (10%) developed dementia. Among those who used PPIs for more than 4.4 years, 24 out of every 1,000 person-years developed dementia, compared to 19 per 1,000 person-years in those who didn't take the medication. The research team adjusted for a variety of factors, including age, gender, race, and conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes, and were able to conclude that there was a 33 per cent higher risk of dementia in the long-term PPI users. No increased risk was found for those who took the drugs for less than 4.4 years. But despite the results, Professor Lakshminarayan highlighted the importance of consulting a doctor before making any changes to treatment. She said: 'There are alternative ways to manage acid reflux, including antacids, diet changes, and maintaining a healthy weight. But not all approaches work for everyone. "Anyone taking these medications should speak with their doctor first, as stopping PPIs suddenly can worsen symptoms.' She also added that more research is required to better understand the link between the medication and dementia, as well as the mechanisms behind it.
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