Acid reflux drugs like proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are common medicines taken by millions of Brits and Americans. As such, researchers say that taking these drugs for an extended period can result in higher risks of dementia.
Acid Reflux Drugs
According to Mail Online, acid reflux drugs, which are used for heartburn medication, can result in a higher risk of dementia development. Researchers estimate that over 15 million people take PPIs for acid reflux and heartburn.
These drugs are commonplace in the US and UK and taking them for over four and a half years could result in 33% higher risk of dementia. These came as a result of a study involving 5,712 people aged 45 to 64.
The study started in the late 1980s until 2011, when they were 45 to 64 until an average of 75 years old. These volunteers would be regularly questioned regarding what medications they were taking and how long they took the PPIs.
For about five and a half years, they were followed, and the findings showed that 10% of them developed dementia.
Effects of PPIs
As noted by Healthline, the study was uploaded to the Neurology journal and included drugs like omeprazole, esomeprazole, and lansoprazole. Experts said taking the medication for extended periods would result in lower vitamin B12 levels.
Mail Online reports that studies on mice suggested that there could be a link between the drugs and an increase of beta amyloid, a protein seen in people with Alzheimer's disease. These drugs were available on prescription in the UK under the name Losec and Pyrocalm; while in the US, the drug was under the brand name Prilosec.
According to Dr. Kamakshi, senior author of the said study from the University of Minnesota, research was needed for their findings to be confirmed. As such, they were exploring reasons for the possible link between higher dementia risk and the use of PPIs.
He also highlighted the alternative treatments for acid reflux like antacids, avoiding late meals, staying at a healthy weight, and not eating certain foods. However, Dr. Kamakshi clarified that different approaches might not be applicable for all.
Proton Pump Inhibitors
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, acid reflux is also known as gastroesophageal reflux (GER), which happens when the contents in a person's stomach head toward the person's esophagus.
The NIH also clarified that GER was different from GERD, which was a long-lasting and more severe form of acid reflux. Gastroesophageal reflux disease can lead to complications or repeated symptoms over time.
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) reduce stomach acid by directly targeting stomach lining enzymes, which are responsible for producing the acid. The study didn't find that risk for people who took those drugs for under 4.4 years.
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