A new study from the Chinese Academy of Sciences has found a possible link between frequent laxative use and a higher risk of dementia.
While laxatives are commonly used to treat constipation, the research suggests that long-term use could carry serious health risks.
The study analyzed data from more than 500,000 people in the UK Biobank, a large health research database. None of the participants had dementia at the start of the study. About 3.6% reported using over-the-counter laxatives regularly in the month before the study began.
Over a follow-up period of more than 10 years, 1.3% of regular laxative users developed dementia compared to only 0.4% of non-users. After adjusting for age, gender, and medical history, the researchers found that frequent laxative users had a 51% higher risk of developing dementia.
The risk was even higher for people using osmotic laxatives, which work by drawing water into the intestines to soften stools.
It’s important to note that the study does not prove that laxatives directly cause dementia. Instead, it shows a strong association. One possible explanation involves the gut-brain axis—the connection between the digestive system and the brain.
Regular use of laxatives might disrupt the balance of gut bacteria, interfere with nerve signals, or lead to the production of harmful toxins that could affect brain health over time.
While there is no guaranteed way to prevent dementia, experts recommend lifestyle habits that may reduce risk. These include staying physically, mentally, and socially active, eating a balanced diet such as the Mediterranean diet, managing chronic conditions, sleeping well, reducing stress, and avoiding smoking and heavy drinking.
The researchers stress the need for more studies to understand how medications like laxatives might influence the gut-brain connection. In the meantime, they recommend that people use laxatives only when necessary and ideally under medical guidance.
This study is a reminder that even widely available over-the-counter drugs can have long-term effects on health. Being cautious with their use may help protect both gut and brain health in the long run.
If you care about dementia, please read studies about Scientists find a simple solution to fight dementia and findings of Big causes of memory loss, dementia you need to know.
For more about dementia, please read studies about People who take high blood pressure medications have lower dementia risk and findings of Early indicators of dementia: 5 behaviour changes to look for after age 50.
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