A brand new study sheds light on one in every of the long-term effects of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). These drugs are commonly used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), heartburn, and peptic ulcers. PPIs (omeprazole, lansoprazole, esomeprazole, pantoprazole, and others) help reduce the quantity of stomach acid made by glands in the liner of the stomach.
The research was published. Online on February 15 JAMA Neurology showed that there could also be a link between chronic use of PPIs and an increased risk of dementia. Experts compared prescription PPI intake and dementia diagnoses in nearly 74,000 adults age 75 and older. In the study, chronic PPI use was defined as at the very least one prescription every three months in an 18-month window. The most typical PPIs used were omeprazole (Prilosec), pantoprazole (Protonix) and esomeprazole (Nexim). All participants were freed from dementia initially of the study. Yet, after eight years of follow-up, the chance of dementia amongst chronic PPI users was higher than amongst those that didn't take any medication. Men had a rather higher risk than women. Occasional users of PPIs had a much lower risk.
Putting the leads to perspective
Many older adults also take multiple medications at the identical time, a situation referred to as polypharmacy. In fact, an estimated 44% of men and 57% of girls over the age of 65 take five or more medications. 12% of each men and girls on this age group take 10 or more. “How different drugs interact with each other, and what the consequences of long-term use are, is something that scientists continue to explore, as researchers have done in this case with PPIs,” says Dr. Javaidan. Tried,” says Dr Javidan.
It's not clear how PPIs could make an individual more vulnerable to dementia. Evidence suggests that parts of the drug can cross the blood-brain barrier, which becomes more porous with age, and interact with brain enzymes. In early animal studies, PPIs were shown to extend beta-amyloid levels within the brains of mice, and high levels of this protein have been linked to dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Other research has shown a possible link between chronic PPI use and B vitamins.12 Deficiencies in addition to an increased risk of osteoporosis. “There may still be other mechanisms at work that are unknown,” says Dr. Javaidan. “But this study raises the question of whether chronic PPI use is safe, especially in older populations.”
What it is best to do in the event you take PPIs
If you currently take a PPI daily, or have been for greater than 18 months, it is best to seek the advice of together with your doctor about whether to proceed your current dose, recommends Dr. Javaidan. “You may only need it if you have symptoms that don't go away.”
