Benzodiazepines are medicines that doctors often prescribe to treat anxiety, panic attacks, and sleeping problems.
They usually work quickly and can be very helpful for short periods, especially during times of severe stress or temporary insomnia.
However, many experts have warned that these medicines are not designed for long-term use because they may cause dependence and other health problems over time.
A new study from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich has now uncovered another possible concern. The research suggests that using benzodiazepines for a long time may damage important connections inside the brain, particularly in older adults. The findings were published in Nature.
The human brain contains billions of nerve cells that constantly communicate with each other. These cells exchange information through tiny contact points called synapses. Healthy synapses are essential for memory, learning, decision-making, and many everyday mental tasks.
The researchers wanted to understand why some people who take benzodiazepines for months or years develop memory problems. Their work focused on special immune cells in the brain called microglia, which normally help keep the brain healthy by removing damaged cells and unwanted material.
The team discovered that benzodiazepines attach to a protein known as TSPO on microglia. This interaction appears to trigger the cells to remove healthy synapses as well as damaged ones. As more synapses disappear, the brain may lose some of the connections needed for normal memory and thinking.
To test their idea, the scientists gave mice a daily dose of diazepam, one of the most widely used benzodiazepines, for several weeks. The treated mice developed memory problems and had fewer synapses in their brains than untreated mice. These findings supported the researchers’ explanation for how the drugs may affect brain function.
The results do not mean that people should suddenly stop taking prescribed benzodiazepines. These medicines remain effective for treating anxiety disorders, severe stress, muscle spasms, and short-term sleep difficulties. Stopping them too quickly can also be dangerous, so any changes should be made under medical supervision.
The study instead highlights the importance of using these medicines carefully. Doctors often recommend the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time, especially for older adults who may already face a higher risk of memory decline or dementia.
The researchers also found encouraging signs that the brain may be able to regain some lost connections after the medicine is stopped. More studies are needed to learn how much recovery is possible and whether new treatments could protect the brain while still providing relief from anxiety or sleep problems.
This research offers scientists a better understanding of why long-term benzodiazepine use may affect memory. The findings could help doctors make safer treatment decisions and encourage the development of new medicines that treat anxiety and insomnia with fewer risks to the brain.
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