Neurologist's stark warning over drug millions take increasing dementia risk
Neurologists have discovered that a common household drug, which has been previously linked to higher risk of stroke, broken bones and kidney disease, could increase dementia risk
Long-term use of a common acid reflux medication may increase the risk of developing dementia by one-third, according to new research.
The study found that people who used proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for more than 4.4 years were 33% more likely to be diagnosed with the condition. PPIs are widely used to treat acid reflux - a condition where stomach acid flows into the oesophagus, often causing heartburn or ulcers. Frequent acid reflux can lead to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD), a condition that affects up to 40% of the UK population and may increase the risk of oesophageal cancer.
These medications work by targeting enzymes in the stomach lining to reduce acid production. While effective, PPIs have previously been linked to health risks including stroke, bone fractures, and kidney disease.
The new study, published in the journal Neurology , doesn't confirm a direct cause-and-effect relationship but does highlight a significant association, reports SurreyLive.
Lead author Professor Kamakshi Lakshminarayan, a vascular neurologist from the University of Minnesota, explained: 'Proton pump inhibitors are useful for managing acid reflux, but long-term use has been tied to several health concerns. In this study, we wanted to explore whether they could also be linked to dementia.'
The research involved over 5,700 participants aged 45 and older who were dementia-free at the start of the study. With an average age of 75, participants' use of PPIs was monitored through in-person study visits and annual phone check-ins.
Of the group, 1,490 (26%) had taken PPIs and were categorised by duration of use: up to 2.8 years, between 2.8 and 4.4 years, and more than 4.4 years. Over an average follow-up of 5.5 years, 585 participants (10%) developed dementia.
Among those who used PPIs for more than 4.4 years, 24 out of every 1,000 person-years developed dementia, compared to 19 per 1,000 person-years in those who never took the drugs. After adjusting for factors like age, sex, race, and health conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes, the researchers concluded there was a 33% higher risk of dementia in the long-term PPI users.
No increased risk was found for those who took the drugs for less than 4.4 years.
Professor Lakshminarayan emphasised the importance of consulting a doctor before making any changes to treatment. 'There are alternative ways to manage acid reflux, including antacids, diet changes, and maintaining a healthy weight,' she said. 'But not all approaches work for everyone. Anyone taking these medications should speak with their doctor first, as stopping PPIs suddenly can worsen symptoms.'
More research is needed to better understand the link and the mechanisms behind it, she added.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
13 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Simple food change 'lowers blood pressure' in just 2 hours
Sometimes called the 'silent killer' hypertension can lead to serious health issues if left untreated but a study found a food can help quickly A study has revealed that a simple dietary switch could be the answer for those battling with high blood pressure. Sometimes called the 'silent killer', hypertension can lead to serious health issues if left untreated. High blood pressure, or hypertension, can stealthily wreak havoc on the body, leading to catastrophic health issues such as heart disease, strokes, kidney damage, and even impaired vision. Without noticeable symptoms, many people remain unaware of the condition until it manifests in severe health complications. Tim Spector, the brains behind the Zoe app and a professor of genetic epidemiology at King's College London, suggests that we can all benefit from upping our intake of potassium, which aids in expelling salt from our system, and boosting our fibre consumption. "Eating 5g more fibre a day can reduce blood pressure by twice as much as reducing salt," he advises. While it's widely acknowledged that salt exacerbates high blood pressure, recent findings have also highlighted the power of beans, particularly darker varieties like red kidney and black beans, in preserving vascular health. Researchers at the University of Manitoba in Canada found that consuming red kidney beans resulted in lower blood pressure within two hours, in contrast to eating rice. Dark-coloured beans, like red kidney and black beans, pack a punch for blood pressure health, with dieticians noting their significant benefit on blood vessels, reports Surrey Live. Dietician Dr Linia Patel endorsed convenient canned beans too, saying: "Canned versions of beans provide the same benefits as dried, and you save on overnight soaking."
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Daily Mirror
Man, 55, diagnosed with dementia after doctor noticed one sign before diagnosis
Jim Rogers, 58, was living and working in Australia when he started to develop symptoms of the incurable neurological condition early-onset dementia after his doctor noticed one sign A simple query from a doctor about his mobile set a dad-of-three on the road to a dementia diagnosis. Jim Rogers, 58, initially from the UK but residing and working in Australia, was passing on his expertise in house renovations when he began showing signs of the untreatable neurological condition. Colleagues and Jim's partner, Tyler, first spotted tell-tale symptoms which led him to consult his heart specialist, suspecting work or stress may be at fault. However, during his visit, it was his cardiologist who noted a worrying habit indicating something more serious, reports Surrey Live. He shared with ABC News: "One day I went to my cardiologist and she was getting a bit p***ed off with me because my phone was constantly going off. "She was like: 'Can you put it on silent?' And I had this blank where I couldn't even work it out. And it was her that said to me: 'Are you experiencing problems like this?' "So, she then referred me to a memory clinic. They analyse all sorts of things about the way you perceive information, they sent me for brain scans, they do all sorts of stuff. They asked me to have an appointment with the neurologist." Jim's subsequent tests led to a formal diagnosis of young-onset dementia, and he has been dedicated to increasing awareness of the condition since. Jim, diagnosed with dementia at the age of 55, suspects he lived with symptoms for up to two years before he received an official diagnosis Reflecting on the moment when he and his husband Tyler grappled with the diagnosis, Jim opened up about the initial shock. He recalled: "I think I was having symptoms for a couple of years until I actually got my diagnosis. "I looked at Ty and he was clearly very upset and so I knew it was heavy, but I didn't know much about Alzheimer's. I just thought it was an old person's disease." Jim sharing his story came just days after Australia greenlit a new medication for early-stage Alzheimer's, a drug called Kisunla. Approved by the Australian medical authorities, Kisunla stands out as a beacon of hope albeit with cautionary advice from experts such as Professor Christopher Rowe who spoke to The Guardian regarding the drug's potential limitations. He said: "We actually estimate that only about 10 to 20 percent of people with dementia will be suitable for the drug, but that is still a huge number given there's 400,000 people in Australia with dementia, and probably 40,000 diagnosed every year." Jim's candid disclosure follows shortly after this significant development in treating Alzheimer's Disease in its early stages, offering a glimpse of optimism amidst challenges surrounding treatment eligibility and costs – for those who do qualify, they may face an $80,000 bill (just over £38,000) for the therapy. The NHS lists several common early symptoms of dementia to watch out for on their website. They include: memory loss difficulty concentrating finding it hard to carry out familiar daily tasks, such as getting confused over the correct change when shopping struggling to follow a conversation or find the right word being confused about time and place mood changes The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer's disease, which has its own set of symptoms, including: memory problems, such as regularly forgetting recent events, names and faces asking questions repetitively increasing difficulties with tasks and activities that require organisation and planning becoming confused in unfamiliar environments difficulty finding the right words difficulty with numbers and/or handling money in shops becoming more withdrawn or anxious For further details about dementia and for assistance and support, visit the NHS website.
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Daily Record
Two stress symptoms you can see in your bedroom and bathroom
There are simple ways to fix them Stress is an increasingly common aspect of life for many in modern times, with challenges like the cost-of-living crisis, workplace pressure and the duties of parenting. For some, high stress levels are a constant companion, making cortisol – often referred to as the 'stress hormone' – a focal point of discussion amidst rising tensions. Google has indicated a whopping 557% surge in searches for 'What supplements lower cortisol?' from 2023 to 2024, highlighting public concern over stress management. Cortisol is secreted by the adrenal glands and not only manages the body's response to stress but also influences the sleep-wake cycle and other important functions, reports Surrey Live. Jane Ollis, a medical biochemist and founder of neurotech venture MindSpire, said: "We need cortisol to perform and it's natural to have it, particularly in the mornings. "It becomes bad when we keep triggering the release of it during the day and our body loses its sensitivity to it – which is when chronic health conditions can occur." The symptoms of cortisol irregularity Irregular sleep patterns "The first symptom is often irregularities in our sleep," points out Ollis. "An inability to get to sleep or stay asleep – therefore leaving us feeling fatigued is a huge indicator for some people that their cortisol is out of balance." Weight gain The phenomenon of 'stress eating' or 'comfort eating' has struck a chord with many. A research study from 2001, which included 59 healthy women, linked higher cortisol levels to an uptick in appetite. "Higher cortisol levels can increase our appetite, potentially leading to weight gain," shares Chloe Brotheridge, hypnotherapist and author of The Anxiety Solution. Anxiety, irritability, or mood swings Alongside cravings, erratic emotions might hint at cortisol imbalance, according to Ollis: "If you begin to notice you're feeling stressed or irritated in situations you usually wouldn't feel this in, it may also be an indicator that your cortisol levels are a little haywire,". It can strip away one's usual patience, making everyday challenges seem unusually taxing. Brotheridge further notes: "High stress levels can worsen mental health conditions like anxiety and depression." Digestive issues Chronic stress often wreaks havoc on digestive health. "Whenever we're chronically stressed, blood flow is diverted away from digestion, leading to gut imbalances, bloating or worsening symptoms of conditions like IBS," Brotheridge explains, whilst Ollis mentions how stress can manifest as stomach pain. Combatting the effects of stress Prioritise sleep Brotheridge urges us to resist the lure of late-night scrolling, highlighting the benefits of disconnecting from screens before sleep. "Aim to go to bed at the same time every night, avoid phones and heavy meals in the two hours before bed, and create a calming nighttime routine to support deeper, more restful sleep," she advises. Practice deep breathing and mindfulness And don't overlook mindful breathing and other contemplative practices. Ollis advocates the use of breathwork as a tool for stress reduction, highlighting its clinically proven benefits. "Breathwork can regulate your stress response and there is clinical evidence showing how powerful it is to use your body to calm down the mind," she explains. She suggests a simple breathing technique: "You can use a breathing pattern of four breaths out on your exhale and do this for at least five minutes. It's a simple technique that anyone can do, anywhere." Get outside as soon as you wake up Stepping outside first thing in the morning is another tip from Ollis. "The first thing you should do when you wake up is go straight outside," Ollis advises. "It's really important to get sunlight into the back of your eye and it helps regulate your circadian rhythms which will help your cortisol levels over the whole day." Movement is key to managing stress, with research indicating that even short bursts of cardio can make a significant difference. "Never underestimate the power of movement," Ollis asserts. "Our bodies are designed to move and are much happier when they do so. Even if you don't want to go to the gym, you get out and move around someway." Eat a balanced diet Brotheridge speaks on the importance of diet in regulating stress levels. "When we consume sugary or processed foods, our blood sugar rapidly spikes, followed by a sharp crash," Brotheridge notes. "In response, the body releases cortisol to stabilise blood sugar levels. Aim to focus on whole foods, protein, healthy fats, and fibre to stabilise blood sugar levels." Set boundaries and reduce stressors "If you're overwhelmed, think about the 'three D's'. What can you delete (ie, say no to), delegate or defer?" Brotheridge suggests. "Have a plan for switching off from work or social media. Will you put your laptop in a drawer at 6pm, turn off social media notifications or delete your work email app from your phone?"
