Laxatives are often used to relieve constipation, especially when lifestyle changes like eating more fiber, drinking plenty of water, or exercising regularly don’t work.
However, a recent study by the Chinese Academy of Sciences suggests that regular use of laxatives may be linked to an increased risk of dementia, raising concerns about the long-term safety of these common medications.
The study examined data from 502,229 participants in the UK Biobank database who did not have dementia at the beginning of the study.
Among them, 18,235 people, or about 3.6%, reported using over-the-counter laxatives regularly. “Regular use” was defined as taking laxatives most days of the week during the month before the study began.
After tracking participants for an average of 10 years, researchers found that:
- 1.3% of regular laxative users developed dementia compared to 0.4% of non-users.
- After accounting for factors like age, sex, education, health conditions, medications, and family history, regular laxative users had a 51% higher risk of developing dementia than those who did not use laxatives regularly.
- People who used osmotic laxatives, which draw water into the colon to soften stool, showed an even greater risk compared to those using other types of laxatives.
While the study found a strong association, it did not prove that laxatives directly cause dementia. Still, the findings raise questions about how laxatives might influence brain health.
The researchers believe that laxative use could alter the gut microbiome, the community of bacteria and other microorganisms living in the digestive system. Changes in the gut microbiome may:
- Disrupt nerve signaling between the gut and the brain.
- Increase the production of intestinal toxins, which could potentially affect brain health.
Osmotic and stimulant laxatives, in particular, are not recommended for long-term use, yet some individuals rely on them regularly, increasing potential risks.
Constipation and laxative use are common among middle-aged and older adults, who are also more likely to develop dementia.
This overlap highlights the importance of understanding the potential risks of regular laxative use, especially in people using multiple laxative types or relying heavily on osmotic laxatives.
While the link between laxative use and dementia requires further research, there are proven steps individuals can take to lower their overall risk of dementia:
- Stay Mentally Active: Engage in activities like reading, puzzles, or socializing to keep the brain sharp.
- Exercise Regularly: Physical activity supports brain health by improving blood flow and reducing inflammation.
- Eat a Healthy Diet: A Mediterranean-style diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, has been shown to protect brain function.
- Manage Chronic Conditions: Conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol increase dementia risk. Keeping these under control can help.
- Get Quality Sleep: Aim for 7–8 hours of sleep per night to support brain repair and memory consolidation.
- Reduce Stress: Chronic stress can harm the brain. Practices like meditation or therapy can help manage it.
- Avoid Smoking and Limit Alcohol: Both habits are linked to higher dementia risk. Quitting smoking and moderating alcohol consumption can lower that risk.
The study, led by Feng Sha and published in Neurology, provides important insights into the potential risks of frequent laxative use.
While laxatives are effective for short-term relief of constipation, regular use—especially of osmotic laxatives—may carry risks that go beyond the digestive system.
If you rely on laxatives frequently, it’s important to speak with a healthcare provider about safer, long-term solutions. Lifestyle changes such as increasing dietary fiber, staying hydrated, and getting regular exercise can often help manage constipation while supporting overall health.
As we learn more about the connection between gut health and brain health, making informed choices about medication use is key to reducing risks and promoting well-being.
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