Laxatives are a common treatment for constipation. However, a recent study reveals that using these over-the-counter medications can heighten one's risk of developing dementia.
Laxative Usage and Dementia
The study was conducted by a team from Harvard University, UK, and China. Their research was included in the Neurology journal.
According to the Daily Mail, the researchers specifically found that regular laxative usage led to a 50% higher chance of suffering cognitive decline.
The American Academy of Neurology reports that the study had a massive scope and covered over half a million individuals over a decade-long period. Researchers assumed that the medications impacted gut bacteria in a way that facilitates toxin production within the nervous system, which may reach and bring harm to the brain.
According to Feng Sha, PhD, of the Chinese Academy of Science's Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, constipation and laxative usage are prevalent among adults who are middle-aged and older.
Fen Sha also noted that laxatives that were stimulant and osmotic should not be regularly used. However, there are individuals who regularly use them.
While the study had an observational nature and did not show any causal associations between laxative usage and dementia, the researchers observed this significant link between the two variables. Moreover, they also observed that gut microbiome changes may have vast effects on one's body. Some even think that this may lead to personality changes.
The researchers observed in their study that over an average of a decade, 218 regular laxative users (1.3%) developed dementia. Moreover, 1,969 irregular laxative users (0.4%) also developed dementia.
After modifying demographic factors, researchers also discovered that those who had regular laxative usage had a 51% heightened risk of developing dementia compared to those who were not regular in laxative usage/.
Dementia risks are also heightened depending on how many types of laxatives the individuals took in. For users of one specific laxative, risks heightened by 28%. However, for those who were taking at least two types of laxatives, the risks increased by 90%.
However, among those who only used one type of laxative, only the ones that took osmotic laxatives exhibited increased risks. This was a 64% boost compared to those who were not using laxatives.
One of the study limitations is that the laxative dosage information was not available to the authors. This means that they could not look into the link between dosages and dementia.
Digging Deeper into Dementia
Feng Sha states that it is important to know how one can reduce the risk of developing dementia by pinpointing associated risk factors. There is a need for further research to delve deeper into the link between laxative usage and dementia. However, if their findings are indeed confirmed, medical specialists may encourage others to handle constipation by adjusting key aspects of their lifestyle. This may include boosting dietary fiber intake, drinking more water, or becoming more physically active in their daily lives.
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