Prolong use of gastroesophageal reflux medications raises risk of dementia, says study

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and an increased risk of dementia. The study, led by Dr. Kamakshi Lakshminarayan from the University of Minnesota School of Public Health, sheds light on the need for further investigation into the relationship between these commonly used acid reflux medications and cognitive health.

Acid reflux or gastroesophageal disease, a condition where stomach acid flows into the esophagus, is a prevalent issue that can lead to discomfort and complications like heartburn, ulcers, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Proton pump inhibitors are frequently prescribed to manage acid reflux by inhibiting the production of stomach acid. While these drugs effectively alleviate symptoms, concerns have been raised regarding their potential long-term consequences.

The study involved 5,712 participants aged 45 and older, without pre-existing dementia, and tracked them for an average of 5.5 years. Among the participants, 26% had taken acid reflux drugs, and they were categorized into four groups based on their usage duration. The findings revealed that individuals who had been using PPIs for more than 4.4 years were associated with a 33% higher risk of developing dementia compared to those who had never taken the drugs. However, no elevated risk of dementia was observed among individuals who used the medications for shorter durations.

While this study establishes a correlation between long-term PPI use and dementia risk, it is important to note that it does not definitively prove causation. The researchers suggest that further investigations are needed to comprehensively understand the potential