Irish people warned common drug increases dementia risk by a third
A new study suggests that prolonged use of a common acid reflux drug could heighten the risk of dementia by a third.
Researchers discovered that individuals taking proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for over 4.4 years had a 33% increased chance of being diagnosed with dementia. PPIs are frequently prescribed to treat acid reflux, which occurs when stomach acid backs up into the oesophagus, often leading to heartburn or ulcers.
Persistent acid reflux can evolve into gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD), affecting up to 20% of people in Ireland and potentially raising the risk of oesophageal cancer.
These drugs aim to suppress acid production by acting on stomach lining enzymes. Despite their effectiveness, PPIs have been previously associated with various health issues, including strokes, bone fractures, and kidney disease.
Published in the journal Neurology, the study does not establish a direct causal link but points out a strong correlation, as reported by SurreyLive, reports the Mirror.
The study's lead author, Professor Kamakshi Lakshminarayan from the University of Minnesota, stated: "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 study spanned over 5,700 participants aged 45 and above, all dementia-free at inception. With a mean age of 75, the usage of Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) by these individuals was tracked through both in-person sessions and yearly telephonic updates.
Out of the cohort, 1,490 participants (26%) were PPI users, grouped by usage duration: up to 2.8 years, between 2.8 and 4.4 years, and beyond 4.4 years. Throughout the 5.5-year average tracking period, dementia developed in 585 of the participants (10%).
For those on PPIs past the 4.4-year mark, dementia appeared in 24 out of every 1,000 person-years, versus 19 per 1,000 for non-users. Even when accounting for variables such as age, gender, ethnicity, and underlying conditions like hypertension and diabetes, researchers found a 33% uptick in dementia risk among long-term PPI consumers.
However, this heightened risk did not present for shorter-term users under the 4.4-year threshold.
Professor Lakshminarayan stressed the necessity of professional medical advice before altering any treatment regimen. "There are alternative ways to manage acid reflux, including antacids, diet changes, and maintaining a healthy weight," she outlined.
"But not all approaches work for everyone. Anyone taking these medications should speak with their doctor first, as stopping PPIs suddenly can worsen symptoms."
She further noted the need for additional studies to elucidate the connection and its underlying mechanisms.
Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
First picture of mum who died of rabies after puppy scratch on holiday
A mum tragically succumbed to rabies after a minor scratch from a puppy in Morocco, with her family now sharing their heartbreak and issuing a stark warning. Yvonne Ford was diagnosed with the deadly disease upon her return to Yorkshire and The Humber, having initially experienced mild symptoms that rapidly escalated, leaving her unable to walk, talk, or swallow. In an emotional Facebook post, her grieving relatives shared: "Our family is still processing this unimaginable loss, but we are choosing to speak up in the hope of preventing this from happening to others. Yvonne Ford, Ron Ford's wife and our Mum, died of rabies. "She was scratched very slightly by a puppy in Morocco in February. At the time, she did not think any harm would come of it and didn't think much of it. Two weeks ago she became ill, starting with a headache and resulted in her losing her ability to walk, talk, sleep, swallow. Resulting in her passing." Authorities are now cautioning travellers about the dangers of interacting with animals in countries affected by rabies, highlighting the near-certain fatality of the disease if contracted. Rabies is transmitted through injuries like bites and scratches from an infected animal, and while post-exposure treatment is highly effective in preventing the illness, it must be administered immediately after exposure to the virus. Rabies is nearly always fatal after symptoms develop, which can include anxiety, headaches, fever, hallucinations, and respiratory failure. The incubation period for rabies can range from three to 12 weeks, with variations depending on where the infection started, reports the Mirror. Robyn, Yvonne's daughter, took to Facebook to announce her mum's death and to issue a stark warning about the dangers of rabies, highlighting that it's invariably fatal once symptoms manifest and can be transmitted through even minor scratches or bites. In her post, Robyn included a section titled 'What You Should Know About Rabies', where she stated: "We never thought something like this could happen to someone we love. Please take animal bites seriously, vaccinate your pets, and educate those around you." Dr Katherine Russell, Head of Emerging Infections and Zoonoses at the UKHSA, stated: "I would like to extend my condolences to this individual's family at this time. "If an animal from a country where rabies is prevalent bites, scratches, or licks you, wash the wound or affected area thoroughly with soap and water, and promptly seek medical advice for post-exposure treatment to prevent rabies. "There is no risk to the wider public in relation to this case. Human cases of rabies are extremely rare in the UK, and worldwide there are no documented instances of direct human-to-human transmission."
Dublin Live
3 days ago
- Dublin Live
Holidaymakers to Spain issued alert over 'almost always fatal' virus
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Holidaymakers planning a trip to Spain are being warned after a deadly rabies case was reported in Valencia. The case the 'almost always fatal' disease was identified this month, the first instance of the virus in Spain since 1978, reports the Mirror. Rabies is a virus found in animal saliva and typically spreads to humans through bites, scratches, or licks on open wounds from an infected animal, usually a dog. There can also be a risk if an animal spits and saliva gets into the eyes, mouth or nose. The virus attacks the central nervous system, causing progressive damage to the brain and spinal cord. Once symptoms are present, the disease is almost always fatal. The Spanish General Directorate of Public Health said: "In early June 2025, the Valencian Health Department reported a fatal case of rabies in a patient who suffered a dog bite during a trip to Ethiopia in July 2024. The case poses no risk to public health as it is transmitted only through bites from rabid animals, and mainland Spain and its islands have been free of rabies in terrestrial mammals since 1978." The Spanish government's contingency plan for rabies control states: "According to the Contingency Plan for the Control of Terrestrial Rabies in Captive and Wild Animals in Spain, 2023, Spain is at alert level 0 (no cases of terrestrial rabies). In the Autonomous Cities of Ceuta and Melilla, alert level 1 is occasionally activated, due to the risk that imported cases of animal rabies crossing the border from Morocco may come into contact with local populations of feral dogs, leading to local transmission." The Health Protection Surveillance Centre advises anyone who suspects they have been bitten by a rapid dog to take "urgent action". The HSPC advises: Immediately wash the wound thoroughly under running water for several minutes and wash with detergent or soap Apply disinfectant to the wound such as 40-70 percent alcohol or iodine solution Apply a simple dressing to the wound Seek immediate medical advice about the need for PET and possible antibiotics to prevent wound infection Animal saliva in the eyes, mouth and nose should be washed thoroughly with water Tetanus vaccine may be necessary if the traveller is not up-to-date as animal bites may be considered tetanus-prone wounds. Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
Irish Daily Mirror
7 days ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Blocked ears could be 'red flag' symptom of deadly cancer, doctor warns
A doctor has highlighted crucial 'red flag' symptoms that may indicate cancer, with blocked ears being a surprisingly key warning sign. According to the doctor, numerous signs often go unnoticed, which is concerning given the rising prevalence of head and neck cancers. According to the Marie Keating Foundation, over 700 cases of mouth, head and neck cancer are diagnosed in Ireland each year. Mouth, Head and Neck cancer is the sixth most common cancer worldwide with an estimated 550,000 cases diagnosed annually. It mainly affects men and older people, however, the number of women and younger people being diagnosed is rising and early detection greatly improves your chances of successful treatment Experts attribute this surge to the growing prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV), an infection that can cause cancer without displaying symptoms, reports the Mirror. HPV is very common – most people will be infected with a form of HPV in their lifetime. HPV infection is most common in people in their late teens and early 20s. You can catch HPV by being sexually active with another person who already has the virus. Most HPV infections do not need treatment because your body can clear the virus itself. But in some people, the HPV infection can develop into cancer or genital warts. In an effort to boost awareness around head and neck cancer, Dr Jiri Kubes, a leading oncologist, has outlined common indicators of head and neck cancer. Dr Kubes, who practices at the Proton Therapy Center in Prague, stressed: "Earlier diagnosis is absolutely crucial. The sooner we can identify head and neck cancer, the better the outcome. "It is considered one of the fastest growing types of cancer in the world but there is still a worrying lack of awareness around head and neck tumours."
