Long-term use of a specific type of medication for acid reflux has been linked to a 33% increased risk of dementia, as per recent research. Individuals who take proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for over four-and-a-half years are more likely to develop this cognitive condition, according to scientists.
Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid moves into the esophagus, typically after meals or while lying down. Symptoms may include heartburn and ulcers, and persistent acid reflux can progress to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD), potentially leading to esophageal cancer.
GORD is prevalent, with around 40% of the UK population experiencing regular heartburn. PPIs work by reducing stomach acid production via enzymes in the stomach lining.
Although these drugs are effective in managing acid reflux, previous studies have associated PPIs with an increased risk of stroke, fractures, and kidney disease. The latest study, published in Neurology, highlights an association between long-term use of acid reflux medications and dementia, without proving causation.
Professor Kamakshi Lakshminarayan, a vascular neurologist and the study’s lead author, emphasized the necessity of examining the potential risks of prolonged PPI usage. The research involved over 5,700 participants aged 45 and above without dementia at the study’s onset, with an average age of 75. By tracking medication usage during study visits and annual calls, the team categorized participants based on PPI intake duration.
Over a span of approximately 5.5 years, 10% of the participants developed dementia. Adjusting for various factors, the researchers found a 33% higher dementia risk among those using acid reflux drugs for more than 4.4 years compared to non-users. Short-term PPI use did not show a significant increase in dementia risk.
Prof. Lakshminarayan stressed the importance of further research to validate these findings and explore the potential connection between prolonged PPI use and dementia risk. She recommended consulting healthcare providers before altering medication regimens to ensure optimal treatment outcomes.