Scientists have found a connection between long-term use of common acid reflux medications and an increased risk of dementia. The study, published in the journal Neurology, revealed that individuals who consumed proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for more than 4.4 years were 33% more likely to develop the cognitive disorder.
These medications are widely used to manage gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD) or acid reflux, a condition affecting one in five people in the West.
The study followed 5,712 people aged 45 or older, who were initially free from dementia, over an average of five and a half years.
The participants were divided into four groups based on their usage of PPIs, and it was discovered that those who took the drugs for more than 4.4 years had a significantly higher risk of developing dementia.
However, the study does not prove that acid reflux drugs cause dementia, it only shows an association.
‘More research is needed to confirm our findings and explore reasons for the possible link between long-term proton pump inhibitor use and a higher risk of dementia,’ said Dr Lakshminarayan.
‘While there are various ways to treat acid reflux, such as taking antacids, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding late meals and certain foods, different approaches may not work for everyone. It is important that people taking these medications speak with their doctor before making any changes, to discuss the best treatment for them, and because stopping these drugs abruptly may result in worse symptoms’.
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, estimation of their use may have been inaccurate. The authors were also unable to assess if participants took over the counter acid reflux drugs.
