Latest news with #KamakshiLakshminarayan
Irish Daily Mirror
25-04-2025
- Health
- Irish Daily Mirror
Irish people warned common drug increases dementia risk by a third
A new study suggests that prolonged use of a common acid reflux drug could heighten the risk of dementia by a third. Researchers discovered that individuals taking proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for over 4.4 years had a 33% increased chance of being diagnosed with dementia. PPIs are frequently prescribed to treat acid reflux, which occurs when stomach acid backs up into the oesophagus, often leading to heartburn or ulcers. Persistent acid reflux can evolve into gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD), affecting up to 20% of people in Ireland and potentially raising the risk of oesophageal cancer. These drugs aim to suppress acid production by acting on stomach lining enzymes. Despite their effectiveness, PPIs have been previously associated with various health issues, including strokes, bone fractures, and kidney disease. Published in the journal Neurology, the study does not establish a direct causal link but points out a strong correlation, as reported by SurreyLive, reports the Mirror. The study's lead author, Professor Kamakshi Lakshminarayan from the University of Minnesota, stated: "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." The study spanned over 5,700 participants aged 45 and above, all dementia-free at inception. With a mean age of 75, the usage of Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) by these individuals was tracked through both in-person sessions and yearly telephonic updates. Out of the cohort, 1,490 participants (26%) were PPI users, grouped by usage duration: up to 2.8 years, between 2.8 and 4.4 years, and beyond 4.4 years. Throughout the 5.5-year average tracking period, dementia developed in 585 of the participants (10%). For those on PPIs past the 4.4-year mark, dementia appeared in 24 out of every 1,000 person-years, versus 19 per 1,000 for non-users. Even when accounting for variables such as age, gender, ethnicity, and underlying conditions like hypertension and diabetes, researchers found a 33% uptick in dementia risk among long-term PPI consumers. However, this heightened risk did not present for shorter-term users under the 4.4-year threshold. Professor Lakshminarayan stressed the necessity of professional medical advice before altering any treatment regimen. "There are alternative ways to manage acid reflux, including antacids, diet changes, and maintaining a healthy weight," she outlined. "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 further noted the need for additional studies to elucidate the connection and its underlying mechanisms. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
Daily Record
25-04-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
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.
Daily Mirror
25-04-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Neurologist's stark warning over drug millions take increasing dementia risk
Neurologists have discovered that a common household drug, which has been previously linked to higher risk of stroke, broken bones and kidney disease, could increase dementia risk Long-term use of a common acid reflux medication may increase the risk of developing dementia by one-third, according to new research. The study found that people who used proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for more than 4.4 years were 33% more likely to be diagnosed with the condition. PPIs are widely used to treat acid reflux - a condition where stomach acid flows into the oesophagus, often causing heartburn or ulcers. Frequent acid reflux can lead to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD), a condition that affects up to 40% of the UK population and may increase the risk of oesophageal cancer. These medications work by targeting enzymes in the stomach lining to reduce acid production. While effective, PPIs have previously been linked to health risks including stroke, bone fractures, and kidney disease. The new study, published in the journal Neurology , doesn't confirm a direct cause-and-effect relationship but does highlight a significant association, reports SurreyLive. Lead author Professor Kamakshi Lakshminarayan, a vascular neurologist from the University of Minnesota, explained: '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.' The research involved over 5,700 participants aged 45 and older who were dementia-free at the start of the study. With an average age of 75, participants' use of PPIs was monitored through in-person study visits and annual phone check-ins. 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 never took the drugs. After adjusting for factors like age, sex, race, and health conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes, the researchers concluded there was a 33% 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. Professor Lakshminarayan emphasised the importance of consulting a doctor before making any changes to treatment. 'There are alternative ways to manage acid reflux, including antacids, diet changes, and maintaining a healthy weight,' she said. 'But not all approaches work for everyone. Anyone taking these medications should speak with their doctor first, as stopping PPIs suddenly can worsen symptoms.' More research is needed to better understand the link and the mechanisms behind it, she added.
