Add dementia to the list of complications associated with long-term use of acid reflux drugs known as proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs), according to a report published on Wednesday in the journal Neurology.
PPIs such as esomeprazole – brand name Nexium from Haleon – and lansoprazole – brand name Prevacid from Takeda Pharmaceuticals – are typically prescribed for four to 12 weeks, but many people use them for years.
In a study of 5,712 U.S. adults followed for an average of 5.5 years, 585 developed dementia. After accounting for age and other risk factors, the researchers found that people who had been taking PPIs for more than 4.4 years had a 33% higher risk of developing dementia than people who never took the drugs.
Researchers did not find a higher risk of dementia for people who took the drugs for fewer than 4.4 years.
Observational studies like this one – which can show associations but cannot prove causation – have also found that people who continue taking PPIs for years have higher rates of bone fractures, kidney disease, infections and vitamin deficiencies.
“More research is needed to confirm our findings and explore reasons for the possible link between long-term proton pump inhibitor use and a higher risk of dementia,” study leader Dr. Kamakshi Lakshminarayan of the University of Minnesota School of Public Health in Minneapolis said in a statement.
In the meantime, Lakshminarayan said, “It is important that people taking these medications speak with their doctor before making any changes … because stopping these drugs abruptly may result in worse symptoms.”
This newsletter was edited by Will Dunham.
