Common UK Drug Linked to 33% Higher Dementia Risk

A widely-used medication in the UK, commonly prescribed for acid reflux, may be associated with a substantially elevated risk of dementia. New research published in the journal Neurology indicates that individuals using proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for more than 4.4 years face a 33% greater chance of developing dementia. This finding emerged from a study involving 5,712 participants aged 45 and above, all initially free of dementia. The average age of participants was 75, and they were followed for an average of 5.5 years.

The study categorized participants based on their PPI usage patterns. Researchers observed that those taking PPIs for over 4.4 years experienced a higher incidence of dementia compared to non-users. Specifically, 24 cases per 1,000 person-years were noted in the long-term users, against 19 cases per 1,000 person-years in those who never took the medication. This increased risk persisted even after accounting for other health factors.

While PPIs are effective in managing acid reflux, previous studies have also linked their long-term use to other health issues like stroke and bone fractures. The authors stress that this research identifies a correlation, not a cause-and-effect relationship, and call for further studies to understand the potential link. They also advise patients not to stop taking their medication abruptly without consulting a doctor, as this could worsen symptoms.